The Real Reason Your Quinoa Tastes Like Dirt

Quinoa has risen to the top when it comes toalternative choices to rice. Touted as a superfood(a term that doesnt have a regulated definition), many folks wax poetic about quinoas positive attributes ' it is, after all, the best source of complete protein for vegetarians.Were on board, except for one major flaw: sometimes quinoa tastes like dirt. We rinse it, drain it, rinse it again. Bring a pot of water to a boil, simmer the quinoa for over 15 minutes, take a bite and ... dirt.If this experience sounds familiar you might be asking yourself, Why is my quinoa so dirty'We have good news ' its not. That off flavor you may taste is not dirt, its not soap, its just saponin.Saponin is a naturally occurring chemical thats found in many plant structures. Itcoats every tiny grain of quinoa and serves an important purpose ' to ward off insectsand deter birds ' but it tastes bitter, even soapy. Thats the flavor that most folks mistake for dirt. Pre-rinsed quinoa helps get rid of that taste, but not always completely. While you might not like the flavor lingering on your quinoa, at least you know its not dirt.To minimize the dirt taste, rinse quinoa under running water in a fine mesh sieve for at least a minute, moving the quinoa around with your fingers until the water runs clean.Once youve done this you should be in the clear. Youll be ready to add it to your breakfast routine with the recipes below ' its a nice change from eggs, and still will help you start the day with lots of protein.type=type=RelatedArticlesblockTitle=Related... + articlesList=56a0edbae4b0404eb8f05c2c,580e4509e4b000d0b157c7cf,57f2b530e4b0667653926674 -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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