The classic moment when thoughts of veggies sneak into your mind – Ẹ̀fọ́ úgú, Ẹ̀fọ́ Ewúro, and, Èfó tètè right?
When we hear “greens” we often think of the common veggies.
But, what about the not-so-common ones? Let’s dive into the radiant greens that might just change the way you see your plates!
Vegetables consist of edible plant stems, leaves, and other plant components.
From the crunchy Daucus carota to leafy greens, veggies are like little bundles of nutrients waiting to make our bodies happy. However, the only vegetables you and I are used to are the usual ẹ̀fọ́-rírò, ẹ̀fọ́ ewúro, ewédú, and the likes.
Really? Did you know that there’s a whole world of green foods out there waiting to be explored? From vibrant veggies to nutrient-packed super-foods, let’s dive into the colorful realm of greens.
#1 Potato
First off, the unsung heroes of the vegetable world! Also, they are not only delicious but packed with essential nutrients.
Nutritional Benefits
• Abundantly rich in vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant.
• Potato contains potassium, an electrolyte that aids in the functioning of our heart, muscles, and nervous system.
• Rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can help ward off disease and benefit human health.
• Packed with folate to support DNA function and repair, help keep your cells healthy and functioning well.
Cooking method
Boiling: This method involves cooking potatoes in boiling water until they are tender. You can mash them, use them in salads, or add them to stews and soups.
Baking: Surprised, right? Baking potatoes until it is tender is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this veggie. You can top it with butter, sour cream, or even cheese. The list is endless!
Frying: A classic and delicious dish loved by many. However, there are so many ways to enjoy them – whether you like them thinly sliced as crispy potato chips, cubed as crunch hash browns, or as thick-cut fries with a fluffy interior.
When it comes to frying potatoes, it’s best to fry them at a moderate to high temperature to get the perfect crispiness on the outside while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.
#2 Carrots (Daucus carota)
Furthermore, let’s dive into an excellent source of beta carotene! You can find them in many colors, including yellow, white, orange, and red.
Nutritional benefits
• Provides a decent amount of Vitamin K1 for blood clotting and potassium for heart health.
• Also, a good source of Vitamin A produced from its beta-carotene which aids good vision.
• Carrot contains biotin which is formerly known as vitamin H and plays an important role in fat and metabolism.
Cooking method
Raw: You can enjoy this raw as snacks by steaming them- simply peel and slice them into your desired shape.
Roasting: You can also roast this surreal comestibles with a drizzle of olive oil and any favorite seasoning or sprinkle herbs to give a unique taste.
Soup: The epitome of comfort in a bowl! This silky and luscious soup is a perfect way to showcase the natural sweetness of carrots.
You can add spices like ginger or citrus. Did you get drenched in the rain? It’s the perfect comforting healthy meal on a rainy day!
#3 Cabbage
The cruciferous vegetable comes in various shapes and colors from the classic green cabbage to the vibrant purple cabbage and then the delicate napa cabbage.
Nutritional benefits
• It contains anthocyanins, naturally occurring antioxidants that reduce chronic inflammation that is associated with heart disease and cancer.
• Presence of phytosterols (plant sterols) and insoluble fiber which help to keep your digestive system healthy and bowel movements regular.
• Rich in polyphenols such as phenolic acids and flavonoids that contain anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic.
Cooking method
Raw: You can shred raw cabbage to your favorite salad for a crunchy texture or make a cabbage slaw by mixing it with other veggies and mayonnaise and a touch of sugar for a refreshing side dish.
Sautéing: Add some olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This retains its texture and flavor while cooking quickly. It’s like turning a plain vegetable into a delicious symphony of flavor, a true transformation that will make your buds sing!
Roasting: This is a total game-changer! It’s by putting cabbage in the oven or roasting to transform into a golden caramelized masterpiece. The edges get crispy while the inside turns tender and sweet.
Conclusion
Now, you might be wondering why are these veggies called “The greens” if they’re not all greens. Well, my dear reader, that’s just the beauty of language and the whimsical nature of nomenclature.
So, the next time you think of greens, remember it’s not just about the leafy veggies. Explore the colorful array of colorful greens available. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!
Cheers to a greener, healthier you! Click here to see more related post.
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