Dieticians, doctors and the media seem to be constantly reminding us that we need to eat vegetables for their nutrients, antioxidants and disease-fighting powers. But often when we cook vegetables, we lose the very nutrients we are trying to add to our diets. Fortunately, there are ways to cook vegetables that will preserve most of their vitamins and minerals.
Instructions
1. Buy the freshest produce possible. Vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they are harvested. Check out the local farmer's market for the freshest selection.
2. Store the vegetables properly. See the resources section for instruction on store different types of vegetables.
3. Cook the vegetables soon after buying them. The longer they sit in the refrigerator, the more nutrients they lose.
4. Wash the vegetables, but do not soak them. Water takes away nutrients.
5. Cook the vegetables with very little water. Stir-frying, microwaving and steaming are the best ways to preserve their natural goodness.
Tags: cook vegetables