3651. There are three things to be attended to in cooking vegetables; make them sufficiently soft, develop their best flavor, and correct any rank or disagreeable taste they may have.


3652. These things are very easily accomplished—boil them sufficiently; change the water if they are rank or unpleasant, and add a little salt, sugar or spice, as the case may require.


3653. Vegetables are always best when newly gathered, except the potato; that is better in winter, if well kept.


3654. They are in greatest perfection when in greatest plenty; that is, in their proper season.


3655. Except spinach, all vegetables should be boiled quickly (soft water is much the best) in an open vessel, and carefully skimmed.