VEGETABLES

    Some thoughts and info on veggies!

One bit of info regarding vegetables is a true fact passed on to us from Dad.  In order to enjoy vegetables as they were meant to be they should be washed just before cooking, cooked just after picking, and eaten just as soon as they are done cooking.  Dad isn't fond of leftover anything, especially vegetables.  The exception to that rule is: pickled beets, three bean salad, coleslaw, Momma's Candied Sweet Potatoes and Joan's Baked Beans.

Picking out vegetables:

Always choose the freshest vegetables available for cooking.  If the vegetable is old, perk it up with seasoning.  Try butter, fatback, herbs, spices and sauces.  Salting veggies just after they begin to cook will help firm up the veggies and help to retain color and flavor. 

Veggies are so versatile.  They can be eaten raw, cooked and served as a side dish, added to a casserole, baked with a roast, sweetened and used in a pie, cake, muffins, just to name a few ideas. 

Storing Vegetables:

Vegetables can be canned, frozen or stored fresh in your refrigerator for a period of time.  Some veggies should never be stored together.  Apples give off an ethylene gas that makes carrots bitter, and onions will speed up the spoilage of potatoes.

Cooking Vegetables:

Veggies can be: steamed, boiled, broiled, sauteed, stir-fried, baked, grilled, microwaved, fried, etc.   Whatever method you choose, read your recipe well before beginning.  Not all cooking methods will work for every vegetable.  One tip to remember in boiling veggies, as soon as they hit the water...they begin to lose nutrients.

Eat your veggies every day:

 Depending on the age of an individual, lends to the amount of veggies one should eat.  The recommended amount is 3 to 7 servings a day.  Remember vegetables provide a great deal of fiber which is needed in a healthy diet.  Also be mindful of the amount of sugar that each veggie contains, especially if you are diabetic.

Whichever vegetable you choose to add to your daily diet, choose a method of preparation that will enhance the flavor, maintain the vitamins and nutrients so you will continue to enjoy veggies every day!