(Remember throwing broccoli from your high chair?

Neither do Iwink.)

But as weve grown olderand arguably wiserweve found a new appreciation for this food group.

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After all, a diet focused onplant-based foods can benefit usin many ways.

According to him, the secret to preparing delicious veggies comes down to two words: blanching and shocking.

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

This part is otherwise known as the blanching, whichfor a little scientific backgroundservestwo main functions.

So, we got step one down (the blanching) of the two-part process.

Vibrant, perfectly crisp veggies.

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

For starters, he says the amount of water you use can make or break your final results.

I believe the more water, the better.

Work in batches, Padilla says.

soba noodles

The water tastes nearly as salty as the ocean when I blanch, he says.

The water tastes nearly as salty as the ocean when I blanch, he says.

How long should you blanch vegetables?

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

I rely less on time because a lot of guidelines youll hear will result in overcooking your vegetables.

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Frozen beef steaks on brownish packaging paper. Light effect.

Woman shopping in a grocery store with a basket