What Happens: Shrimp shrivels up, fish flakes apart excessively, and scallops lose their tender bite.
Solution: Add seafood only during the final hour of cooking. For dishes like chowders or stews, wait until the very end to incorporate these ingredients.
3. Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro are vibrant additions to any dish, but they don’t fare well in a slow cooker. Their delicate flavors dissipate or turn bitter after hours of exposure to low heat.
What Happens: Herbs lose their bright, fresh taste and develop a harsh, off-putting bitterness.
