Why does some food need to be crushed?

* To make it easier to digest. Some foods, such as nuts and seeds, are difficult to digest whole. Crushing them breaks them down into smaller pieces that are easier for the body to break down and absorb.

* To change the texture. Some foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can be crushed to change their texture. For example, crushing tomatoes can make them into a smooth sauce, or crushing cucumbers can make them into a refreshing salad.

* To release flavor. Crushing some foods can release their flavor more effectively. For example, crushing garlic or ginger can release their aromatic compounds, which can add flavor to a dish.

* To mix them with other ingredients. Some foods need to be crushed in order to be mixed with other ingredients. For example, flour and sugar need to be crushed before they can be used to make a cake.

In general, crushing food is a way to make it easier to digest, change its texture, release its flavor, or mix it with other ingredients.