Boiling Or Steaming Vegetables: Which Cooking Method Is Healthier?

In the kitchen, have you really asked yourself whether to steam or boil vegetables? Right from how many nutrients they carry and deliver to how you can enhance their taste, everything is nothing short of a dilemma. Well, steaming and boiling are the most common practices to cook vegetables. However, there is a fine line of difference. Your cooking method depends on the type of vegetable and the dish you are preparing. 

Boiling Vs Steaming Vegetables 

One method softens the vegetables, whereas the other keeps them fresh and light. What’s common is that both steaming and boiling techniques are easy, oil-free, and ideal for whipping up healthy meals. Let us find out how you can keep the color, taste, and nutritional properties of your veggies intact. 

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What Happens When You Boil Vegetables?

Boiling is a fast and fuss-free cooking technique. Simply drop the vegetables in boiling water and multitask. But here’s the trap! During the process, vegetables may lose many nutrients into the water. Hence, it is advisable to make the best use of the leftover water. 

When you boil the veggies, they become softer and mushier, perfect for blending. That’s because boiling breaks down the cell walls and draws out some of the vegetable’s natural flavour. Additionally, the texture remains firm and crisp.

What Happens When You Steam Vegetables?

This process may take more time than boiling. Since you place the above the liquid in a steamer basket or colander, the steam softens the veggies evenly without washing away their original flavour. In this method, vegetables are not in direct contact with water, preserving their nutritional value. This is one of the reasons why steamed vegetables look fresh and taste flavourful.

To conclude, fewer vitamins and nutrients are lost when you steam the vegetables. In a nutshell, boiling can wash away some of the valuable compounds, whereas steaming preserves the life and energy found in food. Undoubtedly, steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods as it retains vitamins and minerals without the requirement of oil, making it perfect for people who wish to manage their weight, reduce the risk of diabetes, and promote heart health.