FOOD NEWS
The Rule Of Thumb For When To Start Veggies In Cold Vs. Boiling Water
By Angel Albring
Boiling vegetables is pretty easy and straightforward, but it’s important to know how to boil vegetables that grow underground vs. ones that grow above ground.
Root vegetables — like potatoes and carrots — grow underground, and they should be started in cold water so that they cook more evenly.
Vegetables that grow above ground should be added to boiling water, as should delicate vegetables — such as leafy greens and broccoli — which can be quickly blanched.
Blanching involves boiling the vegetables for a short time and then immediately plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process, preserving the color and texture.
For vegetables that need to be tender but not mushy, such as asparagus and green beans, add them to the boiling water for 3-5 minutes to maintain the texture and bright color.
Keep an eye on the vegetables as they cook, remove them from the water as soon as they are tender, and drain them and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.