The duration required to cook small, cabbage-like vegetables using vaporized water is a crucial factor in achieving the desired texture and flavor. Optimal results involve balancing tenderness and retaining a degree of firmness. An example is preparing cruciferous vegetables for a side dish where a crisp-tender texture is preferred over a mushy consistency.
Properly executed, this cooking method preserves nutrients, enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetable, and minimizes bitterness. Historically, this technique has been valued for its efficiency and its ability to cook vegetables without significant loss of water-soluble vitamins. Mastering this element of preparation is fundamental to vegetable cookery.
