Cooking is a daily activity that can increase energy expenditure depending on our cooking habits. It is not only the level of the fire, the portions cooked at one time or, for example, the greater or lesser intake of raw products that have an influence.
It also influences the use of the gas stove, normal vitroceramic or induction, for example, or, although it is not usually thought of, the choice of one or another type of pots, pans or saucepans. All this is decisive and, in particular, the pressure cooker will be a great help for energy-efficient cooking.
Five simple tricks
It is safe to say that the pressure cooker is a great invention that is extremely advantageous. For example, we can cook quickly without giving up dishes that normally need hours on the stove.
But not only that, because in addition to saving time we make numerous gestures in favor of the environment. On the one hand we save scarce resources of great value, such as energy and water, and at the same time we have a very practical utensil for cooking organic vegetables and pulses.
These are eco-gestures with which we contribute to a greener world, while taking care of our health, saving time and money. Let’s see 5 ecological advantages of cooking with the pressure cooker:
- We save energy: Logically, if we cook faster we spend less energy. Whether it is five minutes or longer cooking, the savings will be in comparative terms. That is, compared to the use of conventional pans.
Generally, three times more cooking is needed with a normal pot, which means a saving of about 70 percent of energy. And we can even increase the percentage by taking advantage of the residual heat. To do this we would turn off the fire a few minutes earlier than planned and let it finish cooking on its own.
- We save water: Being hermetically covered means less water is needed. Thanks to this temperature that is reached inside, the steam helps to a faster cooking. At the same time, controlling the amount of water needed is important for the conservation of nutrients.
- An ally for the Mediterranean diet: Boiled or steamed vegetables, rice, legumes and stews typical of the Mediterranean diet can be cooked very easily in a thousand ways with the pressure cooker. A healthy and ecological diet because it is rich in fruits and vegetables without abusing red meat.
Likewise, if we have a small organic garden, the pressure cooker is a way to be able to give fruits and vegetables for canning without the need to boil them for an eternity. Likewise, it will not be of great help in the day to day to make endless recipes with our products.
Of course, it is important to know well the water required, the cooking times and fire power for each recipe or group of recipes without losing nutritional power. Or, at least, without losing more than necessary.
- Durability: Pressure cookers are usually very durable. So much so that they easily last several generations. Except for the regular replacement of the rubber and some accessories such as the valve or handles, the stainless steel body remains intact for years. Its carbon footprint, by dint of years, ends up being light.
- It keeps our food warm: It’s not a perfect solution, but if the pressure cooker is kept closed once the fire is turned off it will keep the food warm for hours. If we also keep it covered with a blanket or similar, it will retain the heat much longer and can be used to finish cooking.