Cauliflower is a vegetable that, due to its nutritional profilebecomes a powerful ally of our health. It is extremely versatile, as it has become an ingredient that can be used to make healthy “rice” or as a “pizza” base, its health benefits multiple, but it is often discarded in the kitchen due to the sulfurous smell that comes out when cooking it. To prevent the kitchen from being impregnated with this characteristic smell, there are at least eleven common ingredients which can neutralize it during cooking.
This vegetable is nutritious and low in calories, so cooking them without the environment being filled with the unpleasant smell of sulfur, increases the chances of enjoying this superfood.
Why cauliflower gives off an unpleasant smell
Boiling cauliflower can leave the kitchen and spaces with an unpleasant smell, which is generated by compounds called glucosinolatos. When cauliflower is cooked, the temperatures activate an enzyme called smelly which breaks down glucosinolates.
This causes the release of volatile sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide y dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which are the origin of the characteristic smell not only of cauliflower but of crucifers in general.
One of the reasons that can exacerbate the smell of cauliflower is overcooking it, since the longer you boil cauliflower, the more glucosinolates are broken down and the more sulfur compounds are released into the air.
Taking into account the importance of precise cooking times, we will explain how to cook it in just the right amount of time and how to use 11 ingredients to minimize odors.
Nutritional profile and benefits of cauliflower
Cauliflower is a fantastic option for a healthy diet:
- Low in calories and rich in fiber: Its high water and fiber content contributes to a better digestion and is ideal for weight control diets.
- Source of vitamins: It is a safe source of Vitamin C and group B vitamins.
- Protective properties: It is rich in antioxidants and contributes to reduce inflammationstrengthens the immune system and helps control the cholesterol.
The key: precise cooking times
To preserve the properties, flavor and texture of cauliflower, it is crucial to avoid overcooking. Here are the recommended times for each method:
- Pressure cooker: 4 minutes since the weight goes up.
- Traditional pot (boiling): 8-10 minutes.
- Microondas (800 W): 6-7 minutes.
- Steamed: 12 minutes.
How to eliminate the smell during cooking
There are at least recommended ingredients, as they not only mask the odor, but chemically interact with sulfur compounds, neutralizing them or preventing their release to the environment.
1. Acids and dairy
- Vinegar or lemon juice (acidic):
- These ingredients provide an atmosphere acid that helps reduce the activity of the enzyme myrosinase. This results in the decomposition of glucosinolates being slower, and the release of hydrogen sulfide and other sulphurous gases being reduced.
- Leche:
- Dairy foods contain proteins such as casein and fats that can retain volatile sulfur compounds, which prevents them from evaporating and generating odor.
2. Other practical remedies
- Baking soda:
- Adding baking soda helps create an environment alkali, which in practical terms help keep the color white of cauliflower by neutralizing acidic pigments and may reduce cooking time slightly, limiting the total release of sulfur. Use sparingly so as not to change the texture.
- Breadcrumbs:
- Bread is an ally in the kitchen, in this case it acts like a sponge, thanks to its porous texture it adsorbs volatile sulfur compounds on its surface, concentrating them in the water.
3. Spices and aromatic vegetables
- Bay leaves, celery, onion and cumin:
- These ingredients contain essential oils with strong aromatic compounds which, although they do not neutralize sulfur, can help mask the odor. Since it has molecules that compete with sulfur molecules for the olfactory receptors, making the sulfur smell less perceptible.
- Lemon Peel:
- for containing essential oils has the effect of odor maskerproviding a citrus aroma that predominates over the sulfurous ones.
With these simple tips you can enjoy cooking cauliflower, incorporate it into your diet and avoid unpleasant odors.
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