We’ve all been there: washing rice before boiling it and letting the turbid water flow down the drain without a second thought. But what if we told you that the milky liquid you’ve been throwing away is actually a treasure trove of nutrients? Rice water is more than simply a byproduct; it contains nutrients, minerals, and starch that can be used in some innovative (and sustainable) ways. Here’s why you should quit discarding it and instead make the most of it!

Let’s look at several uses for that hazy water. Natural Fertilizer. Plants adore rice water! It serves as a mild, nutrient-dense drink for houseplants and garden greens. The starches help helpful bacteria grow in the soil, giving your plant babies an extra boost. Simply let the rice water to cool to room temperature before using, and avoid adding salt or spices to it!

Skin and Hair. Rice water is a well-known DIY beauty secret. For ages, several Asian societies have used it as a toner and hair rinse. According to Healthline, “Rice water contains substances known to help protect and repair your skin.” According to reports, “it’s said to soothe and tone your skin, and even improve different skin conditions.” According to the website, rice water can be used for:

Lighten the skin. Improve sun-damaged skin. Treat dry skin. Repair dry hair. Remove blemishes caused by skin problems such as eczema and promote healing.
Remember to patch test if you have sensitive skin! Cooking That starchy rice washing water can be added back into your food! Use it for: Thicken soups and stews.
Create a smooth basis for sauces.

Cook different grains or legumes. It gives a gentle richness and reduces food waste. Cleaning. Surprisingly, rice water can also be used as a natural cleaning, particularly to clean greasy dishes or dirty hands after gardening. The starch helps to loosen filth while still being gentle on skin and surfaces.

Storage. Refrigerate rice water in a clean jar or bottle and consume within five days. For cosmetic purposes, you can even ferment it by letting it out at ambient temperature for a day or two (this increases its potency).

Quick Tips. Reuse water that has not been salted or seasoned.. If you’re utilizing water for beauty or plants, organic rice is the greatest option. If you’re cooking the rice, only use the rinse water—not the final water you boiled it in. It turns out that the ordinary rice rinse water contains a small treasure mine of advantages, ranging from radiant skin to thriving plants to flavor-packed dishes. So the next time you rinse your rice, think twice before you pour it down the drain. You might be washing away something very useful!