Today we’re chatting about one of my favorite topics when it comes to home cooking basics: the decision between cutting your own vegetables or buying them pre-cut from the grocery store. Let’s talk about which is better and why…
First off, I totally understand the convenience of pre-cut vegetables… but if you have the time and ability, and want to save some money, along with some other benefits, I suggest you get into the habit of cutting vegetables yourself.
But let’s get into why, as an experienced home cook, I prefer to cut my own vegetables…
1. Quality difference
Cutting your own veggies can impact the quality and taste of your meals.
Cutting your own vegetables means they are going to be super fresh.
Pre-cut vegetables can taste a bit more dull, and often will start to brown in the packaging. This is because the exposure to air starts to break them down inside the package.
In my opinion, when carrots, for example, have the outer skin removed prior to turning them into carrot sticks for a vegetable platter, they are more juicy and taste stronger than carrots sitting around in a pre-cut veggie tray…
2. Versatility of cooking
When you purchase pre-cut vegetables vs. cutting them yourself, the grocery store has decided for you how large they are sliced or diced.
But when you cut veggies by hand yourself, you can prepare them easily as the recipe calls for. Basically, why pay for someone else to half-cut veggies instead of just preparing them yourself?
3. It’s enjoyable to cut vegetables by hand
When you have the right knife and cutting board, and develop some cutting skills, it can become quite enjoyable to do the hand work of cutting your own vegetables…
You can put on a podcast or music and enjoy the experience.
I find cutting veggies a nice break from any day where I have a lot of desk time… It changes my position from sitting to standing, and snacking on veggies along the way, as I prep for dinner, ends up providing some of my lunch.
Mastering knife skills and safely cutting veggies while catching up on a book or something I’ve been meaning to tuning-in to feels like me time, and gives me a head start on providing dinner for my family.
Shop for home cooking essentials in the SipBiteGo Amazon Store…
Side dish ideas
- Loaded baked potato soup
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Potato recipes
- Stuffed shells
- Sautéed onions and peppers
- White sauce
- Baked chicken wings
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach pesto pasta
- Make ahead Mexican salad
- Best Caprese salad
- Creamy pesto pasta salad
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Focaccia bread
- Sausage stuffing
- See all side dishes
Want to get better at home cooking?
I’m here to help you put together delicious meals, right at home. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments.
Chat soon!
– Jenna
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