To minimize the bitter taste of quinoa, it is recommended to rinse the seeds thoroughly before cooking. Rinsing helps remove the saponins from the outer layer, reducing their concentration and the associated bitterness. Many commercially available quinoa products have undergone a pre-washing process to remove saponins, but it's still a good practice to rinse quinoa before cooking it at home.
To rinse quinoa:
- Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve or a fine colander.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water, either rubbing the seeds gently with your hands, or using the spray function on your faucet.
- Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Once rinsed, you can proceed to cook quinoa as usual. This simple step helps improve the flavor and makes quinoa more palatable. Keep in mind that some people are more sensitive to the taste of saponins, so adjusting the rinsing process to your preference may be necessary.