Is Quinoa Secretly Harmful If You Don’t Rinse It?

The reason why it is recommended to wash quinoa before cooking has a name: saponins. These are natural compounds that coat the grains and act as a natural defense of the plant against insects and animals. These substances have a bitter, slightly soapy taste and can be irritating to the digestive system if consumed in large quantities.

It is not that unwashed quinoa is toxic in itself, but it can cause mild digestive discomfort in sensitive people: from bloating or gas to bad taste in the mouth or even nausea if it has been consumed in excess and without having been previously washed.

It's simple: place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for about 30 seconds, stirring it with your hands or a spoon so that the water carries away the saponins. When it stops foaming (yes, as if it had soap), it is ready to cook.

Some brands indicate on the package that the quinoa comes already washed. Even so, many cooks prefer to rinse it anyway as a precaution and to remove any dust or impurities.

No, but it's not a good idea to ignore it either. Unwashed quinoa is not going to cause you a serious problem, but it can ruin the taste of the dish and make you feel not quite right. That's why washing it is a small gesture that makes a big difference in both the outcome and your digestion.