Not a fan of vegetables? They’re not everyone’s favorite food, even though most of us know that a plant-based diet lowers the risk of chronic diseases. There are some ways to cut the bitterness down, though, while savoring those healthy nutrients. Below are are four ways to make vegetables taste better:
Use salad dressings and dips
Salad dressings and dips come in a variety of flavors and add an additional flavor to make fresh vegetables more enticing. Also, the little bit of fat in salad dressings and dips helps the body absorb antioxidants such as beta carotene and lycopene, which are found in vegetables.
Add a pinch of sugar
Vegetables tend to have a bitter taste to them, but there’s a simple way to cut down on the bitterness to make them more enjoyable. When boiling or steaming vegetables, add a pinch of sugar, especially in green vegetables.
Roast your vegetables
Vegetables contain a small amount of carbohydrates that caramelize when baked in the oven, resulting in a delicious flavor that most people enjoy. To roast or bake vegetables, chop them up, drizzle with a little bit of oil, sprinkle on some favorite seasonings and bake them in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes.
Use sauces and glazes
Root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash take on a delicious flavor when mixed with maple syrup and a tiny bit of soy sauce.
For more information and nutrition advice, contact Lakes Regional Healthcare Registered Dietitian Beth Samuelson at 712-336-8785.
