Broccoli Cooking Mistakes: Broccoli is called a superfood. It contains rich fiber, vitamin C, iron and antioxidants, which take care of everything from strengthening immunity to heart and digestion. The special thing is the sulforaphane present in it, which helps in protecting the body from many diseases. But the sad thing is that some common cooking mistakes made while cooking it make all its benefits disappear.
In fact, The nutrients of broccoli are very sensitive. As soon as the knife touches it, natural enzymes become active in it, which form a compound called sulforaphane. This is its most powerful health element. But if you cut it wrongly or start cooking it in a hurry, this process stops before it even starts. So let us understand how to cook and eat broccoli, so that its complete nutrition reaches the body.
Boiling until broccoli is mushy
Often people keep boiling broccoli until its color disappears and it becomes completely loose. This is the biggest mistake. Due to excessive boiling, the vitamin C and sulforaphane present in it dissolve in water. In the end, bland, tasteless vegetables arrive in the plate. The correct method is to simply steam the broccoli lightly to retain its green color, slight crunch and nutrition.
wash after cutting
It seems easy to wash chopped broccoli in water, but in reality you throw away its benefits by washing it yourself. After cutting, the vitamins and minerals from its small pieces get released into the water. On top of this, the enzymes that make sulforaphane also become weak. It is better to first wash the whole broccoli and then cut it gently.
skipping rest time
Very few people know that after cutting broccoli, it is important to give it some rest. This gap of 5 to 10 minutes activates an enzyme called myrosinase, which increases its healthy compounds. If you put it on a hot pan as soon as it is cut, the whole game of broccoli will be spoiled. Wait for a while before cooking, the difference will be visible yourself.
cooking on high flame or with a lot of oil
Broccoli should not be cooked on high flame at all. As soon as it is put in too hot oil, its edges get burnt and the taste becomes bitter. Besides, its essential antioxidants also get destroyed. If you want to make stir-fry, then keep the flame medium, give light steam first and add some oil at the end. This will maintain taste as well as health.
throw off the stalk
Most people only eat the top florets and the stalk goes straight into the trash. Whereas the truth is that the stalk contains more fiber and the same amount of Vitamin C. Throwing it away means throwing away half the vegetable. Peel off the top hard layer and cut the inner portion into thin slices. It tastes good in vegetables, soup or pasta.
If you use a little wisdom and the right approach, then broccoli can truly do wonders for your health by becoming a superfood.
