In the kitchen, it is common to discard the cooking water from the vegetables after they have been prepared. However, this water is sometimes full of unsuspected benefits for health and the environment. This is particularly the case of the cooking water of artichokes, which contains a large number of mineral salts and trace elements of interest to our organism. In this article, discover why you should now recycle this water rather than letting it go down the drain.
A concentrated source of nutrients
The artichoke cooking water contains a good number of mineral salts and D’trace elements, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These elements are essential for the proper functioning of our body and help strengthen our immune system. In addition, they also help regulate our metabolism and maintain good bone health.
How to take advantage of the virtues of artichoke cooking water?
There are several ways to use the artichoke cooking water to benefit from its benefits:
- In drink: You can consume it cold or hot, as an infusion or a broth. It is also possible to mix it with vegetable or fruit juice to improve the taste.
- In the kitchen : The artichoke cooking water can be reused as a base to prepare sauces, soups, risottos or even pasta. It adds a touch of flavor and smoothness to your dishes while enriching them with nutrients.
- In cosmetics: Thanks to its richness in minerals, the artichoke cooking water has moisturizing and softening properties for the skin. You can use it as a natural toner after removing makeup or add a few spoonfuls to your bath to take advantage of its soothing properties.
An ecological and economical gesture
In addition to its health benefits, recycling artichoke cooking water also contributes to the preservation of our environment. Indeed, this represents a simple and effective way of limiting water waste and saving this precious resource. Plus, by reducing the amount of water you use in your home, you’ll also lower the cost of your water bill.
Why not water your plants with the artichoke cooking water?
The artichoke cooking water can also be used to water the plants in your garden. Indeed, its content of nutrients and minerals not only benefits our body, but also plants. Thus, by watering your plants with this water rich in mineral salts, you will provide them with essential nutrients for their growth and development.
However, before using the artichoke cooking water to water your plants, it is recommended to let it cool and dilute it with clear water to avoid any risk of burns or thermal shock.
What about other cooking waters?
If the cooking water of artichokes offers many benefits, what about other vegetables? The answer really depends on the type of vegetable concerned:
- Starchy vegetables: The cooking water for potatoes, pasta or rice contains a large amount of starch, which gives it a thick and sticky texture. This water is therefore not recommended for direct consumption or reuse. However, it can be used to prepare dishes such as gnocchi or blinis, or to thicken sauces and soups.
- The green vegetables : The cooking water for green vegetables (spinach, cabbage, broccoli, etc.) is generally rich in minerals and vitamins. You can therefore use it in the same way as artichoke cooking water, namely to make broths, soups or as a base for sauces.
- Dry vegetables : The cooking water from pulses (lentils, chickpeas, beans, etc.) also contains valuable nutrients for our body. It can be reused to prepare purees, soups or savory smoothies.
The artichoke cooking water is a valuable source of nutrients and trace elements for our body, while helping to preserve the environment and save water. So why not give it a second life?
