Potatoes are a staple in many cuisines around the world and are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of ways. When you boil potatoes, you may be tempted to pour out the starchy water that remains after cooking. However, this seemingly simple byproduct of cooking has many surprising and useful uses that can benefit you in a variety of ways.
Enriching the cooking liquid: The starchy water left over from boiling the potatoes can be used to enhance the flavor and texture of soups, stews and sauces. It acts as a natural thickener, giving your dishes a velvety texture without the need for additional additives. The water contains valuable nutrients and flavors released by the potatoes during cooking, making it a great base for a variety of recipes.
What is the huge benefit of boiled potato water?
Help in gardening: Potato water can also be used in gardening. Starchy water is rich in nutrients that plants love. When cooled and diluted, it can be used as a natural fertilizer to nourish the garden. Nutrients in the water, such as potassium and vitamins, can help your plants grow healthier and stronger.
Facial toner: Surprisingly, potato water can be used in your skin care routine. The natural starch in the water can help tighten and refresh your skin. Simply apply a small amount of cooled potato water on your face using a cotton ball and let it dry. It can make your skin feel revitalized and help reduce puffiness.
Sauce Enhancer: If you are preparing a roast or meat dish, starch water can be an excellent addition to the sauce. It gives depth of flavor and thickness, making the sauce more filling and aromatic.
A scientist explained why it is useful to drink the water from boiled potatoes
Boiling Vegetables: Don’t limit yourself to using potato water only for potatoes. You can also use it to cook other vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli or cauliflower, to give them extra flavor. Starchy water can turn an ordinary vegetable into a delicious side dish.
Homemade Bread: Potato water can be a secret ingredient in your homemade bread recipe. The starch from the water can contribute to a soft and tender crumb, making your bread moist and delicious.
Prevent oxidation: When cooking with peeled or sliced potatoes, storing them in potato water can prevent them from browning due to oxidation. This trick keeps the potatoes looking fresh until you’re ready to cook them.
The next time you boil potatoes, think twice before pouring out the starchy water. It has a host of surprising uses that can improve your cooking, gardening, and even your skin care. This simple kitchen by-product shows the ingenuity of making the most of every ingredient and reducing kitchen waste, while finding new ways to use what might have been thrown away as kitchen waste. So the next time you cook potatoes, don’t forget about the many hidden benefits of their starchy water.
