Eating too few vegetables is a common problem for children in many countries, with many children consuming less than the recommended daily amount. Dutch researchers have offered a suggestion: steam or blanch vegetables to preserve their original flavor, shape, and crisp texture, as these are the children's favorites.
According to a Reuters report on the 24th, researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands selected two common vegetables, carrots and green beans, and conducted an experiment on children aged 4 to 12. The two vegetables were cooked using six different methods: stir-frying, steaming, blanching, roasting, pan-frying, and mashing. The children were then served the vegetables, and the results showed that they preferred the steamed and blanched vegetables the most.
In a statement, the researchers said that whether a vegetable appeals to a child depends on factors such as its shape, the sensation of chewing it in the mouth, and its unique yet familiar flavor. The experiment showed that children prefer vegetables that are cooked to maintain their crisp texture, distinctive taste, and original color.