Soaking beans before cooking them has been a practice for centuries and remains a popular one for many cooks. It is believed to improve the beans’ flavor and the texture of the cooked beans. In addition to this, soaking can also reduce the cooking time. It is a simple process and produces a more nutritious meal. In this article, we will look at the benefits of soaking your beans in water before cooking them....CONTINUE READING
According to webmd, Soaking your beans in water before cooking them increases their nutrient value, as they will absorb more of the liquid they are in. Soaking in cold water starts the rehydration process and the beans become plump and tender. This makes them easier to digest and adds vital nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and fiber, to your meal.
Soaking beans helps to reduce their cooking time. As the beans absorb more liquid, they will become plumper and more tender and as a result, they will cook faster. Depending on the type of bean, soaking can reduce cooking time by up to two hours. This is a great time saver for busy cooks.
Soaking beans helps to reduce their phytic acid content, which is a compound found in beans that can inhibit the absorption of minerals. Phytic acid can make beans less nutritious, however, you can minimize this by soaking them for several hours in water prior to cooking. This process will help to break down their phytic acid and make them more digestible.
Soaking your beans before cooking them also helps to reduce their oligosaccharides, which are carbohydrate molecules that can cause flatulence and bloating when they are broken down in the stomach. Soaking the beans in water helps to break these down and makes them more digestible.
In addition, soaking your beans before cooking them also helps to enhance their flavor. The longer they soak, the more flavor they will take on, making them full of flavor and exceptionally delicious.
Finally, soaking your beans before cooking them can also reduce the amount of gas-producing compounds known as complex carbohydrates. Soaking the beans helps to break down these substances, making them easier for the body to digest and less likely to cause gas and bloating.
Soaking beans before cooking them has numerous benefits and is a great way to ensure that you are getting the most out of your meal. It helps to reduce cooking time, improve the flavor, reduce flatulence-causing compounds and increase the nutrient content of the beans. So next time you are preparing a meal, be sure to give your beans a good soak before you cook them.
