French fries are the quintessential comfort food, restaurant, and takeout staple. However, we all know that they are not the healthiest option. In an effort to make healthier dining choices, we set ourselves a mission: what could replace delicious fries every now and then while still providing some satisfaction?
After weeks of experimentation and research on the Internet, we have found something special; something that is good for you AND tastes amazing! In this article, we’ll share our findings with you so you can continue your journey to better eating habits. Read on to find out what an amazing alternative to French fries has been discovered!
Potatoes are in almost every dish this season, and while they can add a bit of nostalgia to a plate of fries or a rich tartiflette, they’re not necessarily the healthiest option when it comes to cooking. With a glycemic index of over 50, potatoes are thought to cause an uncomfortable spike in blood sugar: not ideal for those watching their waistlines or managing diabetes. Fortunately for foodies, there are a number of delicious alternatives that offer a lower glycemic index, such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, and chickpeas.
But another tuber has just been added to the list of potato alternatives.
Taro, a root vegetable native to Asia, is a delicious and healthier alternative to potatoes for anyone looking to control their blood sugar. With its tropical flavors and exotic origin, taro could be the perfect accompaniment this season. Although it doesn’t have the same glycemic index as potatoes, taro has a unique set of vitamins that can be just as beneficial for your body. Whether it’s the classic mashed potato dish or the winter favourite, tartiflette, why not vary up your meals a bit and try something new? Taro is sure to add a boost to any dish.
The health benefits of taro.
Taro is a nutritious vegetable that offers a variety of potential health benefits. Its high fiber content can support digestive health, while its wide range of vitamins and minerals can help the body stay healthy and strong.
Contributes to heart health.
One of the main benefits of taro is its ability to support cardiovascular health. It is high in dietary fiber, magnesium, and potassium, all important nutrients for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure; and potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body, which also helps reduce high blood pressure. Additionally, taro’s high antioxidant content makes it an effective weapon against oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.
Protects against bone diseases.
Another important benefit of consuming taro is its role in promoting bone and joint health. This vegetable is packed with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous, which are important for building bone structure and fighting bone diseases like osteoporosis. Calcium and phosphorous also play a role in removing uric acid buildup around joints, reducing the risk of joint pain or stiffness due to inflammation caused by acid buildup.
Promotes better blood sugar control.
Another benefit of adding taro to your diet is its ability to help regulate blood sugar naturally due to its low glycemic index. Taro contains short-chain carbohydrates and resistant starch, which are digested more slowly than other carbohydrates, providing steady energy for long periods of time without causing sudden spikes or drops in glucose levels. This makes it a great option for diabetic patients who need a more controlled way to eat carbohydrates without sacrificing taste or texture.
How to cook it?
Taro is a tuberous root vegetable that has recently entered Western cuisine. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, taro has long been used as a staple in many traditional dishes, and its popularity continues to grow among chefs and foodies alike. With its delicate sweet flavor reminiscent of sweet potato, taro is often boiled or steamed before being used in a variety of recipes. It can also be eaten raw with sauces or spices, or even grated and added to salads or stir-fries.
It can even be used in desserts and drinks.
The velvety texture of taro makes it especially suitable for desserts and drinks. Bubble tea, an ultra-modern drink from Taiwan, contains taro powder that gives it a beautiful purple hue. Taro itself can be mixed into smoothies, cakes, waffles, puddings, and ice cream to create unique flavor combinations. For savory dishes like curries or stews, taro can be cubed and added to provide more depth in flavor and texture.
A few steps to prepare it well.
Taro generally takes a while to cook due to being longer than other root vegetables, but the end result is worth it! To prepare the taro for cooking, wash the skin well under cold water before removing the tough outer layer with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
Once peeled, it’s important to note that taro oxidizes quickly. To prevent discoloration, soak slices in lemon juice before cooking.
Boiling is generally the preferred method of preparing taro, as it retains more of its nutritional properties than steaming or frying. However, the boiling time can vary depending on the size of the cut pieces, so check them regularly as they boil to make sure they are cooked through, but still firm enough not to fall apart when boiling. When finished cooking, allow your cooked taro to cool slightly before using it in recipes or simply serving it plain with your favorite seasonings.
Where to find it?
In fact, those looking for taro will be happy to know that it is not difficult to find in the country. Available mainly in Asian food and specialty stores, its brown skin, white flesh, and purple veins make this root vegetable easily identifiable; It almost looks like a hybrid between sweet potato and celeriac. When buying taro, look for ones that are firm and heavy. You can keep it for about a week. If you want to save it to enjoy later, taro can also be frozen for several months!
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
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