Suran, also commonly known as Jimikand, is a delicious vegetable packed with numerous essential nutrients that benefit overall health. However, processing and cutting it is not an easy task for everyone in the kitchen. The moment someone starts peeling or chopping suran, they often experience intense itching, burning, and irritation in their hands. This happens primarily due to the presence of tiny calcium oxalate crystals inside the vegetable, which trigger discomfort the moment they come into direct contact with human skin. Fortunately, adopting a few simple precautions and smart habits can help you completely avoid this annoying issue.
Wear Gloves Before Cutting Suran
The very first step before you start cutting suran is to ensure proper protection for your hands. For this purpose, you should wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling the vegetable. This creates a physical barrier so that the suran does not touch your skin directly, thereby minimizing any chances of irritation. If you do not have gloves handy, you can apply a little coconut oil on your hands instead, though you should not consider it a complete replacement for gloves.
How To Properly Peel And Chop Suran
Always use a sharp knife when you need to peel and chop suran. Carefully remove the tough outer skin first, and then cut the vegetable into small pieces according to your cooking requirements. While doing this, make sure to avoid touching your eyes and face with your hands. Once you are finished cutting the suran, wash the knife, chopping board, and all other utensils thoroughly with water.
After chopping suran, you can soak the pieces in tamarind water for a brief period. To do this, take a vessel filled with water and mix tamarind pulp into it. Now, let the suran pieces stay submerged in this mixture for about 15 to 30 minutes. This traditional method helps reduce the itch-inducing properties of suran effectively.
Boiling And Cooking Suran The Right Way
It is absolutely essential to boil suran thoroughly before cooking it into a dish. To do this, heat water in a pot, add the suran pieces, and cook them properly until tender. Afterward, drain out the water completely. Now, heat some oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, onions, tomatoes, and your favorite spices. Mix the boiled suran pieces into this tempering and let it cook for a little while. If you prefer, you can also lightly fry the pieces after boiling them. Always remember that suran should never be consumed raw or undercooked.
What To Do If Hands Itch While Cutting
If you start experiencing itching or a burning sensation in your hands while cutting suran, stop your work immediately. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water. Avoid rubbing your skin aggressively while it itches. If the burning, swelling, or itching persists for a long time, consult a doctor promptly.
