Cooking, an art as old as civilisation itself, has seen an astounding development in recent times. The culinary landscape has transformed, with contemporary technology confronting ancient culinary traditions. This evolution represents more than just convenience; it reflects changes in lifestyle, technology, and the availability of a diverse range of food products. In a quest for better food choices, steam cooking has arisen as a culinary trend that preserves both nutritional value and natural flavours of foods. Steamers, which come in a range of materials and forms, have grown into a modern kitchen essential. This cooking method not only preserves the integrity of the ingredients but also simplifies the cooking process, making it a popular choice for both health-conscious individuals and busy home chefs alike.
Evolution of Food Steamers
The custom of steaming food stretches back to ancient periods throughout nations, especially in Asia, where bamboo steamers were previously used to prepare grains and vegetables. The advancement of this cooking method has resulted in up-to-date electric food steamers, which provide a smooth and efficient approach to maintain food’s nutritional integrity while improving flavour and texture.
=Steel Steamers: These steamers are convenient to use and clean, making them ideal for consistent cooking. They often come with vented lids, bakelite welded handles, and vented baskets, which makes them appropriate for both residential and commercial usage.
=Aluminium-Coated Steamers: Many stainless steel steamers consist of an aluminium-coated base, which improves heat dispersion for faster and more consistent cooking. Glass lids and ergonomic grips are two additional characteristics that can help improve the culinary experience.
=Specialised Steamers: These kinds of steamers are created exclusively for pasta, noodles, and spaghetti and include a quart stockpot, lid, pasta rinser, along with a steamer basket. Its structure facilitates the easy disposal of water after cooking.
According to FutureMarketInsights’ Commercial Steamer Market Outlook study results, the worldwide steamer market is expected to reach $1823 million by 2033, rising at a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. One of the most significant factors that will continue to drive this growth is the healthier approach that this cooking mechanism adopts in comparison to others.
Steaming Food: A Better Alternative
Compared to common cooking methods like frying and baking, steaming is undoubtedly healthier. This method defends the nutritional value of food by restricting the loss of water-soluble vitamins. The aforementioned food steamers preserve the inherent tastes, colours, and textures of the food, keeping meals not just healthy but also more appetising.
Frying vs. Steaming
Both steaming and frying are opposing extremities of the culinary arts spectrum. While steaming involves heating food with steam to preserve its inherent tastes and nutrients while keeping it moist and delicate; frying requires putting food in heated oil, adding considerable quantities of fat and calories that change the texture and flavour of the dish. Although frying may provide crispy exteriors, it often employs less nutritious cooking oils and could result in nutritional loss owing to high temperatures. Consequently, steaming can be viewed as a healthier option, providing a lighter alternative that preserves the food’s essential nutrients without the need for added fats.
Baking vs. Steaming
Steaming and baking are both mild cooking procedures that employ indirect heat, but they have different uses and results. Steaming is the process of cooking food using heated steam, which helps to maintain moisture while preserving the dish’s inherent tastes and minerals. Baking, on the other hand, usually entails heating food in a dry, heated atmosphere, which can result in caramelisation, browning, and the formation of complex flavours and textures. Steaming is therefore considered ideal for delicate and regular foods such as fish and vegetables.
Additional Advantages of Steaming Food
Despite the health benefits of steam cooking being discussed above in contrast with other culinary methods, some of its lesser-known perks still need consideration. For example, steam cooking is an energy-efficient method as it uses less electricity than other forms of cooking. It can also help to minimise kitchen odours and smoke, creating a more pleasant cooking atmosphere.
In conclusion, while traditional cooking methods remain popular, contemporary culinary techniques have indisputably altered the way people approach food preparation. One such cooking method that has evolved the culinary experience is the steaming of food. Steamers provide a diverse and health-conscious solution for modern cooking. With numerous choices available, there exists a steamer to meet every culinary requirement and preference, making it easier for people to enjoy healthy yet delicious meals.
The author is the Managing Director & CEO of Ycook
