Why can't an iron pot cook red beans

Iron pots are usually not recommended for cooking red beans, mainly due to the material characteristics of the iron pot and the composition characteristics of the red beans. Iron pots are prone to oxidation reactions in acidic or prolonged soaking environments, and red beans contain a high amount of tannic acid and other components, which may accelerate the corrosion of iron pots and affect the taste of food.

Cooking red beans in an iron pot may accelerate the damage of the surface oxide layer of the iron pot, leading to excessive dissolution of iron ions. Tannic acid in red beans can combine with iron ions to form a black substance, which not only darkens the color of the soup but may also cause astringency. Long term use of iron pots to cook acidic foods may increase the risk of excessive intake of iron, which is detrimental to the health of some populations. The rust formed on the surface of the iron pot, if mixed with food, may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, especially for people with weaker digestive function.

Some old-fashioned iron pots may not immediately have obvious problems when cooking red beans in a short period of time after fully boiling and nurturing the pot. The oil film formed on the surface of traditional iron pots can to some extent block direct contact between red beans and iron, but prolonged high-temperature stewing may still cause damage to the protective layer. If a new iron pot that has not been fully nurtured is used, the acidic substances in red beans will directly corrode the metal surface, accelerate the corrosion process, and affect the quality of food.

For daily cooking, it is recommended to use clay pots, stainless steel pots, or ceramic pots to cook red beans. These materials are more acid and alkali resistant and less prone to chemical reactions. If an iron pot must be used, it is recommended to shorten the cooking time and avoid storing overnight. After use, it should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled for maintenance. Red beans are rich in protein and dietary fiber, and when paired with ingredients such as Job's tears and lotus seeds, they can enhance their spleen strengthening and dampness removing effects. However, it is important to note that people with special constitutions should control their consumption.