Semi-finished products: is it really only harm?

Modern technologies allow to save practically all useful substances in frozen products. Another thing - were they in them originally? This is already a question of the quality of the ingredients and the integrity of the seller. That is, theoretically semi-finished products can be useful. But how to calculate such? Perhaps the worst thing we can find today in semi-finished products (and not only in them) is trans fats. Let's take a closer look at what it is. In many products vegetable fats are used, the shelf life of which is known to be very short. Scientists have found a way to prolong it by hydrogenation: take an oil heated to almost 200 degrees and pass hydrogen through it, while the molecular structure of the oil changes - it turns into a trans fat.
Obtained cheap and long-not perishable fats, killers. It has already been proven that they at the cellular level disrupt the work of the entire cardiovascular system and lead to terrible diseases. Such fats can be anywhere: in a pack of frozen dumplings, cutlets, fish sticks, puff pastry. On the label they are often referred to as "hydrogenated oil", but not always. The trouble is that manufacturers sometimes do not say anything about their use. In many countries this is considered a criminal offense, we have not yet reached this point, so we rely on luck.

How to choose semi-finished products

But even if there is no semi-finished product in the trans, it can be dangerous, or, at best, not to be of any use. For example, if it was re-frozen. In this case, not only useful, but also the taste qualities of the products are lost. Therefore, always pay attention to friability. If dumplings or fish sticks are stuck together in clumps, they are probably already defrosted, and, probably, more than once. Do not go on about advertising. Dumplings "Elite", "Royal" - the manufacturer is allowed to call their products at least "diamond". For you, the main criterion for choosing any semi-finished product is a label, not a name. And remember, dumplings in factories make cars. "Hand modeling" - this is only an advertising move, implying a simulation of modeling with your hands. The last advice - do not rush to cheapness, can not real meat cost cheap.

How to prepare semifinished products

In most cases, the semi-finished products do not need to be thawed before cooking. Pelmeni - immediately into boiling water, cutlets - in a frying pan. At the same time, remember that semi-finished products need to be cooked a bit longer than their fresh counterparts. Dumplings cook for 5 minutes longer than freshly cooked, the same with cooking cutlets and pancakes. If it is indicated that the product must be defrosted beforehand, then proceed. The sheet dough, for example, must be defrosted. It is left for a while, and then gently turned over and given a little more to come up.