There is a saying in "The Yellow Emperor's Neijing": "Eat and drink modestly, live regularly, and do not work in vain, so you can form and be with God." "Dried noodles, one of the most traditional foods in China, have a history dating back to the Neolithic period. At that time, noodles came in a variety of forms, but after thousands of years of evolution, the slender strips of somen noodles have become an indispensable part of our dining tables. (Editor: Dragonfly)
Especially in the north, somen noodles are not only a staple of daily diet, but also carry a strong cultural significance, such as cooking a long bowl of "dragon beard noodles" on birthdays to pray for longevity.
However, in the fast-paced life of modern society, many people choose to buy processed somen noodles in supermarkets or vegetable markets for convenience. Faced with a wide variety of dried noodles, many people often feel at a loss for choice. So, how should we choose dried noodles?
01
Whitish somen noodles may seem white and attractive, but this alluring appearance is often infused with bleach, and long-term consumption of foods containing bleach, even in small doses, may cause potential harm to the human body, especially to the function of the liver and kidneys.
When choosing somen noodles, we should avoid products that are too white, and really good quality somen noodles are usually yellowish in color, natural and plain, and exude a faint flour aroma.
02
Excessive sodium intake has become a common problem in the modern diet, the main source of sodium is table salt, and excessive sodium intake is closely related to a variety of health problems such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
In order to enhance the taste of the noodles, some somen manufacturers will add a lot of salt during the processing process, resulting in the sodium content of the somen noodles far exceeding the health standard.
When buying somen noodles, be sure to carefully check the nutrition facts list on the package and try to choose products with less sodium.
A reasonable sodium content should be controlled to no more than 800 mg per 100 grams of somen noodles, so that even if you consume 100 grams of somen noodles in one meal, it is only equivalent to 2 grams of salt, which is more in line with the principle of a healthy diet.
03
On supermarket shelves, you can often see a variety of vegetable noodles, such as noodles with vegetable powders such as greens, carrots or tomatoes.
These vegetable noodles have attracted the attention of many consumers because of their unique color and healthy image.
In fact, most of the so-called vegetable noodles are added with vegetable powder, not fresh vegetable juice, and its nutritional value has not increased significantly, but the price is much higher.
For those of us who are looking for a healthy diet, it is recommended to buy regular somen noodles and add your favorite fresh vegetables and meat to the cooking.
This not only ensures that the food is nutritionally balanced, but also adjusts the type and proportion of food according to personal taste, so that every meal becomes a delicious and healthy enjoyment.
04
If the noodles are stored for too long or the storage conditions are not good, the surface is easy to oxidize and turn black.
Not only does this blackened somen lose its texture and taste, but more importantly, it may be a health threat due to bacteria and mold growing on its surface.
When choosing somen noodles, be sure to pay attention to the color of the noodles and avoid buying products that have noticeable discoloration on the surface.
After purchasing somen noodles, it is also important to store them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture, which can effectively extend the shelf life of somen noodles and maintain their best taste.
In addition, in order to prevent insects and moisture, a small amount of Sichuan pepper or dried chili pepper can be added to the storage container of the dried noodles, these natural spices can not only repel insects, but also add flavor to the noodles when cooking.
As an important part of traditional Chinese food culture, the health of dried noodles is directly related to the quality of our daily diet.
By avoiding white, sodium-rich, powdered and blackened somen noodles, we can not only protect ourselves and our families, but also enjoy a more delicious and nutritious diet.
Only in this way can we make informed choices in the multitude of food markets and protect the health of our families and ourselves.