We’ve all done this: washing rice before cooking it and casually letting that murky water disappear down the drain. However, imagine if we informed you that the white liquid you typically discard is actually a treasure trove of nutrients?
Rice water is far more than just an end product; it’s brimming with nutrients, minerals, and starch that can be reused in various innovative (and eco-friendly) manners. Here’s why you ought to cease discarding it and begin utilizing it effectively!
Let’s explore some methods for utilizing that murky water.
Natural Fertilizer
Plants love
rice
Water! It serves as a mild, nutrient-packed beverage for both indoor plants and outdoor greenery. The starches aid in fostering healthy microbe populations within the soil, providing your plant offspring with a splendid enhancement.
Simply allow the rice water to reach room temperature before applying it, and make sure not to add any salt or seasoning to it!
Skin and hair
In the realm of homemade beauty treatments, rice water stands out as a lesser-known treasure. For generations, it has been utilized in various Asian societies as both a toner and
hair
rinse.
According to
Healthline
, “Rice water includes components that are believed to aid in safeguarding and restoring your skin.” Indeed, “it reportedly calms and tightens your skin, and can also enhance various skin issues.
The site recommends using rice water for the following purposes:
- Lighten skin.
- Enhance recovery from sun-damaged skin.
- Combat dry skin.
- Repair dry hair
- Eliminate blemishes triggered by skin issues such as eczema, and aid in healing the skin.
Simply make sure to do a patch test if your skin is easily sensitized.
skin
!
Cooking
The cloudy water from rinsing starch-rich rice can be reused in your cooking! Utilize it for:
- Thicken soups or stews
- Create a smooth foundation for your sauces.
- Prepare other grains or beans
It brings a subtle richness and assists in reducing food waste.
Cleaning
Interestingly, rice water can serve as an effective natural cleanser – particularly useful for cleaning oily utensils or cleansing your hands after tending to your garden. The starch content aids in removing dirt, plus it’s mild on both skin and surfaces.
Storage
Keep the rice water in a clean jar or bottle inside the refrigerator, and utilize it within five days. If using for cosmetic purposes, consider fermenting it by letting it sit at room temperature for one to two days (this enhances its effectiveness).
Quick Tips
- Always utilize unsalted, unflavored water for recycling.
- If you’re planning to use the cooking water for beauty purposes or with your plants, organic rice is the preferable choice.
- When preparing your rice, avoid using the water from the final boil; instead, opt for the rinsing water.
It turns out that the unassuming water left over after rinsing rice is actually a small reservoir of advantages—from giving you radiant skin to helping your plants flourish to enhancing the taste of dishes. Therefore, when you wash your rice next time, consider pausing before discarding the liquid. You could potentially be disposing of something quite valuable!
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Amazing applications of rice water
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