nywvblue's Profile
Rinsing Quinoa
If it tastes slightly bitter, then it probably needed rinsing, or better rinsing. Unfortunately that's 20/20 hindsight by then. I've eaten quinoa that's tasted this way but suffered no noticeable ill effects (except for making the "this tastes bitter" face).
I'm thrilled by the French Press idea -- ingenius, paulj!
Rinsing Quinoa
I just read this bit of educational news that explains why the necessity for rinsing:
Quinoa seeds have a coating of bitter-tasting chemicals called saponins, that make their seeds less-palatable to birds and other seed-eaters. Saponins are mildly toxic, and must be removed by soaking for a few hours, then changing the water and soaking again -- or by rinsing in running water for several minutes, using a cheesecloth or similar material.
If you're like me, still saddled with quinoa of the must-rinse variety, another reader highly recommends the fine-mesh handled colander from William Sonoma.
Hope this helps!
