Question

which method of cooking vegetables promotes the greatest nutrient losses?
a. pressure cooking
b. steaming
c. griddling
d. microwaving

Explanation:

To determine the cooking method with the greatest nutrient loss, we analyze each option:

• Option a (Pressure cooking): Uses high pressure and steam, but nutrient loss is moderate as cooking time is relatively short and liquid contact can be controlled.
• Option b (Steaming): One of the best methods for retaining nutrients, as vegetables are cooked with steam (minimal water contact, short time, and low heat impact on heat - sensitive nutrients like vitamins).
• Option c (Griddling): Involves direct dry heat. While some nutrients (like water - soluble vitamins) may be lost due to heat, the loss is less compared to methods with prolonged water contact or high - pressure/long - duration heat.
• Option d (Microwaving): Contrary to common misconceptions, microwaving is efficient and can retain nutrients well. However, the question asks for the method with the greatest loss. Wait, no—wait, actually, among these, pressure cooking (if we consider the fact that pressure cooking can involve more water and longer cooking under pressure which can leach out more water - soluble nutrients compared to steaming, griddling, or microwaving? Wait, no, correction: The correct answer is actually a? Wait, no, let's re - evaluate. Wait, the common knowledge is that boiling (not in options here, but pressure cooking is a form of high - pressure boiling - like process) can cause more nutrient loss due to water contact and heat. Wait, the options: Pressure cooking (a) involves cooking in a sealed pot with liquid, and the high pressure and heat can lead to more leaching of water - soluble vitamins (like vitamin C, B - vitamins) into the liquid, and also thermal degradation. Steaming uses little water, so less leaching. Griddling is dry heat, so less water - related loss. Microwaving is quick and uses little water. So among these, pressure cooking (a) would have the greatest nutrient loss.

Answer:

a. Pressure cooking