Italian Phrase
Scegli cose che non vanno cucinate.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to pick items that should not be cooked, often referring to raw foods, delicate ingredients, or foods that lose their quality when heated.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving cooking advice, planning a menu, or discussing dietary restrictions that require raw or uncooked items, such as salads, sushi, or certain fruits and vegetables.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sceglicosechenonvannocucinate.
Imperative (Scegli)
The verb "scegli" is the second‑person singular imperative of "scegliere," used to give a direct command.
Relative clause (che non vanno cucinate)
"Che" introduces a relative clause describing "cose"; "non vanno cucinate" is an impersonal construction meaning "should not be cooked."
Agreement (cucinate)
The past participle "cucinate" agrees in gender and number with the noun "cose" (feminine plural).
Impersonal "andare + past participle"
In Italian, "andare + past participle" expresses necessity or suitability, similar to English "should be + past participle."
🗨In Conversation
Scegli cose che non vanno cucinate, come il tonno per il sushi.
Choose things that shouldn't be cooked, like tuna for sushi.
Hai ragione, così il sapore rimane più fresco.
You're right, that way the flavor stays fresher.
✕Common Mistakes
Scegli cose che non sono cucinate.
The verb "vanno" comes from "andare" used impersonally; avoid using "sono" here because the construction is "non vanno + past participle".
Scegli cose che non vanno cucinare.
Make sure to use the past participle "cucinate" (feminine plural) to agree with "cose"; using the infinitive "cucinare" is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Preferisci alimenti da consumare crudi.
Prefer foods to be eaten raw.
Scegli ingredienti che non vanno riscaldati.
Choose ingredients that shouldn't be heated.
Opta per cibi che non richiedono cottura.
Opt for foods that don't require cooking.
Cultural Tip
In Italian cuisine, many dishes celebrate raw or lightly prepared ingredients—think carpaccio, crudo di mare, and insalate di stagione. When you say "non vanno cucinate," you’re tapping into a tradition that values the natural taste and texture of fresh produce. However, be aware that in some regions (e.g., southern Italy) certain vegetables are traditionally blanched before being served raw, so the phrase can be context‑dependent.