According to the pros, there’s a foolproof method for locking in flavour when it comes to cooking potatoes and vegetables – and it doesn’t involve boiling them.
Potatoes are a versatile and phenomenally popular food and they can accompany a range of dishes. There’s the trusty, beloved chip; the hearty dauphinoise; the fluffy, quintessentially British roast potatoes; the comforting goodness of mashed potatoes, and much more.
Similarly, other, more standard vegetable dishes make up one of the main foundations of many meals. They’re an integral aspect of a healthy, balanced diet and help contribute to maintaining health.
It’s advised we all eat at least five portions of fruit and veg per day, covering a decent variety to ensure the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals. This is backed up by scientific research which suggests a range of health benefits, including lower risk of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.
Potatoes don’t count towards your five a day as they’re mainly a source of starch. Still, it doesn’t stop people wanting to make the most out of them, especially when it comes to locking in flavour.
On Reddit, one curious cook sought professional advice in the AskCulinary subreddit. They penned: “When cooking potatoes and vegetables does steaming them retain more flavour than boiling them? I think it does on my own taste tests but is there any science behind it?”
Fellow Reddit users were keen to share their perspectives. One person replied: “That’s right, steaming preserves more flavor and nutrients in potatoes and vegetables compared to cooking. Because when cooking, vitamins and minerals pass into the water, which reduces the nutritional value and taste of the products.”
And another added: “If you really only want the flavour of the product then yes steaming is better for some veggies. Personally I’d rather cook them cause I can add a shit ton of salt or even better broth and it enhances the flavour a lot.”
Why do we need five portions of fruit and veg each day?
The NHS states: “Evidence shows there are significant health benefits to getting at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. That’s five portions of fruit and veg in total, not five portions of each. A portion of fruit or vegetables is 80g.
“The 5 A Day campaign is based on advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.”
It adds: “Almost all fruit and vegetables count towards your 5 A Day. They can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried or juiced. Potatoes, yams and cassava do not count because they mainly contribute starch to the diet.”
