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When cooking broccoli, or any other greens for that matter, there is nothing worse than having them come out an unhealthy bland color. There is a way to preserve the bright green color in your vegetables, and it is easier than you may think.
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli, or any other green vegetables
- Large pot of water
- Salt
Steps
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Be careful not to steam green vegetables. Green vegetables contain chlorophyll, when chlorophyll is cooked, it produces carbon dioxide. Since you have to cover the vegetables to steam them, the chlorophyll turns a drab, grayish color. You can prevent this by boiling the greens, in salted water. [1] X Research source
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Use a large amount of water, then add salt. The recipe calls for one ounce for every four cups of water. The salt provides a "barrier" against the carbon dioxide, and keeps the chlorophyll green. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Always bring the water to a boil before you add the vegetables. This will ensure the pores on the vegetables will be quickly blocked, and prevent vitamins and minerals from leaching out into the water. [3] X Research source
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Cook the vegetables until they are tender. You do not want to overcook or undercook them. For broccoli, about 5-7 minutes, [4] X Research source green beans, 10-12. Just keep testing them with a fork.
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It is also important to stop the cooking process as soon as the vegetable is cooked perfectly. The best way to do this is a quick ice bath. Strain the vegetables into a colander, then dip them into a bowl, or sink, of ice cold water. This prevents accidental overcooking. [5] X Research source
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Prepare your vegetables however you like them, and enjoy them with your eyes, as well as your taste buds.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I keep greens green while cooking?Community AnswerBlanching, or shocking the cooked greens in ice water, preserves the green color.
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QuestionShould I add baking soda to my green vegetables to keep them green while cooking?Community AnswerA small pinch of baking soda and/or salt will keep your veggies nice and green. You want to stay away from acidic fruits such as lemons because they will speed up the browning process. Make sure you buy quality veggies and use lots of water when boiling!
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QuestionHow do I reheat the broccoli?Community AnswerTo reheat broccoli, put it in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes.
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Tips
- A great way to serve any green vegetable is simply with a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. It will enhance the fresh, green flavor.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://whiteapronblog.com/2016/06/17/cooking-broccoli-how-to-keep-cooked-broccoli-bright-green/
- ↑ http://whiteapronblog.com/2016/06/17/cooking-broccoli-how-to-keep-cooked-broccoli-bright-green/
- ↑ http://whiteapronblog.com/2016/06/17/cooking-broccoli-how-to-keep-cooked-broccoli-bright-green/
- ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/steamed_broccoli/
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/techniques/how_to_cook_broccoli
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Reader Success Stories
- "My vegetable stir fry and chicken chili dishes looked the same on completion. Though tasty, my family could not distinguish the two dishes! I needed to learn how to retain colour of vegetables in my cuisine. Thanks to the chef here! Loved your tips!" ..." more
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"My vegetable stir fry and chicken chili dishes looked the same on completion. Though tasty, my family could not distinguish the two dishes! I needed to learn how to retain colour of vegetables in my cuisine. Thanks to the chef here! Loved your tips!"
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"Age 77 and I've been cooking broccoli wrong my whole life. When eating out and being serviced nice green but fully cooked broccoli, I cook it at home and want to cry when I look at mine. Thank you all."
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"Great. I always enjoy broccoli, it looks great, so green, and has a wonderful texture. I had been nuking mine to death. I just needed to be reminded that there is and always was a better way! "
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"I had stopped buying green veggies because I was cooking them the wrong way and was always wondering how they do it in restaurants, serving healthy, bright-green veggies."
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"After many years of cooking broccoli & having it be gray, you showed me how to retain a bright green color. Thank you so much!"
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