TIPS

VEGETABLES::

POTATOES:

* After cutting the potatoes place the pieces in water to avoid discoloration (browning). This happens    due to carbohydrate reacting with the oxygen in the air. Discolored potato pieces are safe to eat ,       they change color while cooking.
*But don't soak them in water more than 2 hours the essential nutrients will be soluble in water.
RECIPES:   French fries, biryani, Curries, mashed forms....

EGGPLANT/ BRINJAL:

* Eggplant known as brinjal should also be placed in cold water and a pinch of salt after cutting to          avoid discoloring.
* When cooking/baking an eggplant in microwave or oven make sure to puncture it with knife from     bursting.
* Eggplant cooks very fast so add them to curry/dish in the final 10 minutes of cooking . Over doing
  may make the eggplant mushy.
RECIPES:  Curries, Fries, Snacks , Sambar...

CAULIFLOWER::

* Doesn't like the smell of cauliflower , add few pieces of bread  while boiling.
* Cooking cauliflower in aluminium or iron pots dis colorizes it because the vitamins in cauliflower      react with the metals.
* Cauliflower florets can be parboiled in  5 minutes make sure to cover while cooking.
   Pierce the fork into the pieces to check whether cooked or not.
RECIPES:   curries, stir fries, Manchurian , Pickles  ....

CABBAGE:

* Nobody love the smell of cabbage, to keep that away cook it uncovered.
  Or add a bread pieces while it is getting boiled.
* When cooking cabbage add little water like 1/2 to 3/4 inch water, because more water will turn          them into soggy and make it mushy.
* When cooking red cabbage, add little vinegar or lemon juice to prevent the color loss.
RECIPES: Salads, curries, fries, stir fries .....

BEANS:

* Never wash the beans until the time of use. They can stay fresh until 2-3 days.
* When buying beans just bend them , if they break into two pieces it is fresh.
   If it bends they are over matured.
Recipes:  Biryanis , curries,stir fries, salads...

BROCCOLI:

* Just wash the broccoli before cooking , if washed prehand the moisture causes the mold to grow.
* Never buy the broccoli if it has little yellowish florets.
RECIPES:   Stir fries, soups, omelets, stews....

CARROTS:: 

* Carrots can be stored for long time about 1 month when refrigerated.

RECIPES: Eaten raw,  salads, juices, curries, fries, soups, desserts...

CUCUMBERS::

*  Cucumbers should always be wrapped in paper towel, then in plastic bag and finally in fridge from getting spoiled. By doing so we can enjoy fresh cucumbers for long time.

RECIPES:: Eaten raw, pickles,salads...