foto: YouTube/Anna Subadi
Boiling cassava leaves also allows the spices used to penetrate perfectly.
18 April 2024 20:00
Brilio.net - Cassava leaves are often chosen as one of the main ingredients in vegetable menus. Indeed, basically, this vegetable can be processed into various kinds of menus, such as fresh vegetables, curry, or various stir-fries. Its soft texture and distinctive taste make many people like to eat cassava leaves as a diet.
However, before it is ready to be processed with various spices, cassava leaves need to be boiled first. This aims to make the cassava leaves softer and easier to consume later. Apart from that, boiling cassava leaves also allows the spices used to penetrate perfectly.
Unfortunately, many people are sometimes confused when they want to boil cassava leaves. The reason is, when boiled, cassava leaves will change color to brown or even black. Not without reason, cassava leaves contain a chemical compound called anthocyanin, which gives the leaves a green color.
When boiled, this anthocyanin compound will react with water and heat. This can cause the color of cassava leaves to change to brown or black. This color change does not affect the taste or texture of cassava leaves. But it certainly affects a person's aesthetics and appetite. If the leaves remain bright green, this processed cassava leaf will be even more appetizing.
But there's no need to worry, there are tricks you can do to prevent this color change. Well, this trick was shared by YouTube user Anna Subadi. Through one of the uploaded videos, he admitted that he relied on two kitchen ingredients when boiling cassava leaves so that the color remained bright green and the texture was not tough.
How to boil cassava leaves so they are not tough and remain green.
Reported by BrilioFood on Thursday (18/4), the kitchen ingredients used were salt and baking soda. Adding salt and baking soda to the water for cooking cassava leaves can help maintain the natural color of the vegetable. Not only that, these two ingredients can also increase the boiling point of boiled water, so that the cassava leaves will become soft quickly.
To apply these two ingredients, you just need to prepare water in a pan. After that, add the cassava leaves which have been picked from the stem and washed thoroughly. Press using a tool such as tongs so that the cassava leaves are completely submerged in water.
photo: YouTube/Anna Subadi
Next, add 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon baking soda. Stir so that these two ingredients dissolve and mix well. Then boil the cassava leaves for approximately 15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly.
photo: YouTube/Anna Subadi
After boiling for 15 minutes, don't forget to check the doneness by taking a few boiled cassava leaves. If it is soft, it means the cassava leaves are cooked. Immediately turn off the stove and drain the cassava leaves.
Then, so that the ripening process stops immediately, you can soak the boiled cassava leaves in cold water. This will ensure that the natural green color of the leaves does not fade and the texture remains soft (not too soft). That way, the cassava leaves are ready to be used for fresh vegetables or cooked again into various dishes.
Cassava leaves, apart from being known as a nutritious food ingredient, also have a number of benefits for health and beauty. Here are 9 benefits of consuming cassava leaves:
1. Source of antioxidants.
Cassava leaves contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals and prevent cell damage.
2. Maintain eye health.
The vitamin A content in cassava leaves is good for eye health and prevents vision problems.
3. Improve the immune system.
Cassava leaves contain vitamin C which can improve the immune system.
4. Prevent anemia.
The iron content in cassava leaves helps prevent anemia and increases red blood cell production.
5. Maintain heart health.
Cassava leaves contain potassium which is good for heart health and keeps blood pressure stable.
6. Reduces the risk of cancer.
The antioxidants in cassava leaves can help reduce the risk of developing cancer cells.
7. Maintain healthy skin.
The vitamin E content in cassava leaves is good for skin health and prevents premature aging.
8. Improves hair health.
Cassava leaves contain vitamins A and C which are good for healthy hair and prevent hair loss.
9. Maintain bone health.
The calcium content in cassava leaves helps maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
