Quinoa Warning

porkchopz

Hey guys!

Quinoa is a big favorite here at MFP, but I just want to reinforce the importance of thoroughly washing it before eating! I used to eat it without rinsing, thinking that maybe I just wasn't affected by the saponins.

Lately, however, I have had some very painful digestive issues after eating it, even after a quick rinse. I will probably start soaking them a bit and re-rinsing several times.

I did some research (and by research, I mean googling and clicking random message boards)...and this is very common. People eat quinoa with no tummy troubles and then eventually the saponins start causing digestive pain.

8turboturtle8

Thank you for this info.

savvystephy

Thanks for this - does anyone have any tips on rinsing it - I lose a lot of it when I try to. Do you just use fabric instead of a strainer? Or something like that.

TheMaidOfAstolat

Thanks for this - does anyone have any tips on rinsing it - I lose a lot of it when I try to. Do you just use fabric instead of a strainer? Or something like that.

Yes...I use cheese cloth (double layered) or I'll use a very fine mesh strainer.

savvystephy

Thanks for this - does anyone have any tips on rinsing it - I lose a lot of it when I try to. Do you just use fabric instead of a strainer? Or something like that.

Yes...I use cheese cloth (double layered) or I'll use a very fine mesh strainer.

Lol Thanks for answering that. I know it may have been a silly question, but I thought I would ask.

porkchopz

Mesh strainer works, and additionally you could dunk the strainer into a bowl of water and swish it around. I would probably repeat that a couple times till the water runs clear.

lynzt16

To rinse quinoa i put the quinoa in a strainer and then put the strainer into a bowl of water, let it soak for 5 min, drain, and repeat one more time.