For many international students, cooking is an essential skill. However, if you have just come to the UK, are you still getting familiar with various ingredients? If you have no hand, you can’t make a fist. This article will introduce you to a variety of UK’s common vegetables so that you can make your weekly purchases more purposefully and better enjoy your life in student accommodation in the UK.
Carrots
Carrots are common in the UK and are usually £1 for a big bag. Organic carrots can be slightly more expensive.
The usual way Brits eat them is boiled, roasted and in salads. The Chinese usually braise carrots, make soup, stir-fry them, etc.
Carrots are very rich in vitamin C and carotene, which is good for people like students who spend a lot of time looking at computers and are prone to eye strain.
Onions
There are many types of onions. British supermarkets sell different varieties of onions from different countries.
They vary greatly in flavour, but Italian White Onions are the best tasting and are often used in UK salads.
You can use them to saute meat, which always makes for a tasty dish.
Lettuce
Lettuce is very cheap and plentiful in the UK for students who like to gorge on vegetables. And, there are many kinds of lettuce in the UK.
From the crispy, sweet Romaine and the delicately ruffled Lollo Rosso, to the sturdy, mild Iceberg and the vibrant, peppery Rocket. Each variety adds a unique texture and flavour, making salads a delightful adventure for the palate.
Celery
Celery imported from Italy is affordable. You can get a large one for £1. It can be sautéed or stewed.
Tesco sells it fresh with leaves. You can also buy it cut up for easy cooking.
Chinese Leaf
This vegetable is Bai Cai, which was introduced from China, supposedly only in the last few years.
It is now available in all major supermarkets in the UK for £1.20 a piece, which is a reasonable price.
This vegetable is good for stewing or stir-frying.
Butternut Squash
You can bake Butternut Squash right in the oven, which is quick and easy.
The roasted butternut squash is flavorful and soft with a great texture. And you don’t have to worry about poor cooking skills to make it taste bad.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a very common vegetable in the UK. The price is usually £1-£2 a box. It’s good roasted, in salads, stir-fried and has a high nutritional value.
Arugula
People always put Arugula into sandwiches. And it tastes exceptionally flavorful with Prosciutto di Parma.
This vegetable is very nutritious and contains many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Arugula tastes particularly good when used in salads or sandwiches.
We can find them in the salad section of the supermarket, which are usually sealed in a plastic bag. It’s incredibly convenient to unpack it and eat it.
Artichoke
Artichoke is a plant of the Asteraceae family that grows along the Mediterranean coast. The artichoke acid in it is known to increase liver vitality, promote the elimination of toxins from the liver, and promote the digestion of fats.
Roasted artichoke with roasted lamb chops is a famous dish served at the state dinner at Buckingham Palace in the UK. The Queen of England often serves it to visiting state leaders.
Marinated artichokes are also available in supermarkets and are good to eat straight or with salads. They also taste good on pizza.
Conclusion
In short, not only can you buy a lot of vegetables in the UK that you are already familiar with, but you can also see a lot of vegetables that are new to you.
Explore boldly, and you might just open up new food recipes to add to your study abroad trip.
FAQ
There are several recipe websites that may be useful to your stay in the UK:
1. Allrecipes
2. Yummly
3. The Food Network
4. Edamam
5. Tasty
6. Spoonacular
7. Epicurious
- Set up Your Budget: Crafting a budget is the initial step towards effective money management. Evaluate your past quarter’s food expenses and ponder whether the figure is something you are comfortable with or if you aim to curtail it. If the latter, decide on a specific reduction target. Having a clear financial goal aids in better monetary control.
- Organise Your Menu: Plan your forthcoming week’s main meals and jot down the ingredients required. Cross-verify your kitchen pantry for existing items and make a shopping list for the remaining ones. Stick to this list to avoid impulsive purchases based on attractive offers. The crux is to clearly understand each item’s purpose and intended use, which will prevent overstocking and waste.
- Consider Shopping Strategy: Infrequent shopping trips can lead to more mindful purchasing decisions and potential savings. Weekly shopping might aid in adhering to your budget. Additionally, find stores that cater to your food preferences and align with your budget, providing an optimal shopping experience.
According to the organization’s calculations, buying at Aldi is the least expensive when it comes to buying daily needs such as food in the UK. For larger purchases, Asda is a cheaper supermarket.
