Vegetable Preparation
Whether you buy your vegetables prepackaged or fresh there is always some necessary preparation that must be done before you eat your vegetables.
Prepackaged:
- When buying prepackaged vegetables it is always important to follow the packager's preparation directions.
Fresh:
- Wash all vegetables under running water to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides.
- Use a scrubbing brush on vegetables with hard skins
- Even if you buy prewashed vegetables you will still want to wash them on your own.
There are several different ways of preparing vegetables. It is important to remember that these different methods of preparation can affect the nutritional value and taste of a vegetable. As well, vegetable type may affect time of preparation and choice of method used.
- Raw:
- This is the quickest and easiest way to prepare your veggies. It is also the method that has the least negative nutritional impact on your vegetable of choice.
- Steamed:
- Steaming is done by using a rack, strainer or metal steam basket over a saucepan of boiling water. You'll know your veggies are done when they have a tender yet crisp texture. This method, like eating your veggies raw, has little negative nutritional impact on your vegetable of choice.
- Microwaved:
- Microwaving is done by placing your veggies in a microwavable bowl with a little bit of water, in a microwave until the texture of your vegetable is tender yet crisp. This method, like steaming, has little negative nutritional impact on your vegetable of choice.
- Boiled:
- Boiling is done by placing your veggies in just enough boiling water to cover them. The veggies are done when they are tender. This method has the most significantly negative impact on the nutritional value of your vegetable of choice.
- Stir-fried:
- Stir-frying is done by chopping up and placing your veggies in a skillet with a small amount of butter, margarine, oil, or water. The veggies are done when they are slightly browned. This method has a moderately negative impact on the nutritional value of your vegetable of choice.