This is something super underrated but absolutely important. Youโll learn everything you need to know for perfect quinoa every time. Letโs dive in!
What is Quinoa
Quinoa is a seed, cross-dressing as a grain. Yep, not a grain, though it behaves just like one. And when you get to know it, you’ll understand why it’s a superstar in the world of plant-based protein.
It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which also includes spinach and beets, and is technically considered a pseudocereal, that means grain-like but not quite a grain. However, quinoa cooks up just like rice or couscous, making it a great substitute in any recipe that calls for grains.
Why should you love quinoa? Because itโs a multitasker! Here’s why:
- High in complex carbs
- Full of fiber
- Naturally gluten-free
- Packed with iron, folate, and all 9 essential amino acids
Thatโs right, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it has all the building blocks your body needs. With its rich nutrient profile, quinoa is a great choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, itโs a killer oatmeal substitute for a hearty, gluten-free option.
Why You Must Rinse Quinoa
Now letโs get down to the nitty-gritty. Why is rinsing quinoa a must? It’s not just about cleaning the seed, but about making sure your quinoa is delicious and not bitter.
Quinoaโs outer shell, or hull, is coated with a substance called saponinโa natural chemical that plants use as a defense mechanism to keep away pests and predators. This “donโt-eat-me” coating (rude!) is bitter, and while harmless in small amounts, it can cause tummy troubles if not properly removed.
Nobody has time for bitter tasting quinoa an an unhappy tummy.
Some other foods that contain saponins include lentils, sweet potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes, but quinoa tends to be extra when it comes to the bitterness factor. Even more bitter than me!
Best Way to Clean Quinoa
Alright, you know why you need to clean it, but letโs talk about how to do it the right way. The traditional method of rinsing quinoa under running water is trash, literally. It is a massive waste of waterโa typical faucet spits out about a gallon of water a minute! ๐ฑ
My hack uses 8-times less water while still giving you delicious quinoa:
- Add quinoa to a bowl with some extra headroom.
- Cover with water by about a ยฝ inch.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, stir, and soak for 30 minutes, swirling it every so often.
- Drain the quinoa, cover it again with plain water, and soak once moreโno need to rinse!
- Drain one last time, and youโre done. Zero waste, no bitterness. ๐
This water-saving method is not only eco-friendly but still gets rid of those pesky saponins, leaving you with perfectly clean quinoa.
Science Behind My Salt Bath Method
You might be wondering, “Why the salt?” Hereโs the science behind that and why typical produce cleaners like baking soda and vinegar won’t work.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great for washing produce, in fact it has been shown to be more effective at removing pesticides from produce than bleach. But it is alkaline, which would raise the water’s pH. That higher pH makes saponins more slippery and harder to rinse off. So, itโs not a good fit for quinoa.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another popular produce wash, but itโs acidic and that lowers the pH of the water. This makes saponins sticky and harder to remove. So also not ideal for quinoa.
Salt Bath
But when you add salt to the water, youโre helping the saponins loosen their grip on the quinoa (and reality). That means less water is needed to remove them!
Sapnonins are amphihilic. That means they cling to both water and oil. They act like soap, hence the name. When saponins get wet, they become stage 5 clingers. Think Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.
However, salt water helps break the bond between the saponins and quinoa. Sodium and chloride ions from the salt cause saponins to loosen their grip. Swirling the quinoa every now and then simulates the friction provided by running water, but with much less waste. After you drain the quinoa from the salt water, soaking it in plain water removes any salty residue. This ensures your quinoa is clean and free of that bitter taste, and ready to cook.
This process is like science magic! ๐งช
How to Store Quinoa
Of course, you want to ensure your quinoa is fresh to start with, so letโs talk about how to store it properly. Proper storage is the key to making sure your quinoa lasts for years without losing its flavor or texture.
Uncooked Quinoa
Uncooked quinoa should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry spotโyour pantry is perfect! If stored properly, quinoa can last up to 3 years. Yep, 3 years! ๐ช
Not sure if itโs still fresh? Give it a sniff. If it smells fresh, youโre good to go. If it smells off, itโs time to toss it.
Cooked Quinoa
Cooked quinoa lasts up to 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it up to 3 months. Just make sure itโs sealed in an airtight container in both cases.
So now you know all the ins and outs of quinoa.
Now go forth and enjoy your perfectly fluffy quinoa! Soak smart, save water, and never deal with bitter quinoa again. And when you make something Instagram-worthy with it, donโt forget to tag meโI want to see those grains in action! ๐๐
