Rinsing quinoa

[shoyski]

This may sound like a silly question but how or what do you guys use to rinse your quinoa? I've tried it several ways but always seem to end up losing about a tablespoon or more of the stuff because it gets all over everything. Am I quinoa-challenged?! :o

[wallycat]

I have an extra fine strainer I use.

The last box of quinoa I bought (Red Inca) actually was pre-rinsed.

[Clover]

I use a strainer. Some of it always sticks to the strainer until I wash it though.

[shoyski]

Thanks to both of you. I think I'll try to find that Red Inca brand. :)

[clairea]

I've never rinsed my quinoa:o We've never had a problem with the taste or texture, but is there something I am supposed to be rinsing off (pesticides or something?). I just buy it out of the bulk bins at Whole Foods, so I have no idea what brand it is.

Claire

[lorilei]

Claire -

Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that repels insects and birds and can create a bitter taste. Rinsing with warm water removes the saponin.

If you haven't noticed a bad taste (or indigestion, which saponin can sometimes cause), I doubt it's going to hurt you to stop rinsing the quinoa :)


FYI: I put a paper coffee filter in a strainer and rinse several times. After the water has drained through the coffee filter and strainer, I pop the coffee filter upside down and drop the quinoa into the pan and cook it. This is the easiest method I've found...

[wallycat]

Claire,
quinoa has a natural protective coating called, I believe, sapoinin...as the name indicates, it is bitter and soapy tasting.
The first time I made it I didn't rinse and couldn't understand why anyone would intentionally EAT THIS stuff.
After rinsing, it tasted much better :D

The Inca Red is a red quinoa. It's very pretty and nutty tasting...I did rinse it, but the box it came in didn't indicate it was necessary, which is why I assumed it was pre-rinsed.