Amazing uses of rice water you should know

Rice water is often thrown away after cooking, but it can be useful in many ways.  It can improve the taste of food help plants grow support healthy hair and skin and even be used for cleaning. Instead of pouring it down the drain try these simple ideas.

Add It to Rice Dishes

Use leftover rice water when cooking rice based meals. It can add extra flavor and provide a small nutritional boost.

Use It in Soups and Broths

Mix rice water into homemade soups or broths. It helps make them slightly thicker while improving both taste and texture.

Cook Vegetables

Steam or boil vegetables in rice water instead of plain water. The vegetables may absorb some of the nutrients and develop a richer flavor.

Baking

Rice water can be added to recipes such as bread pancakes, or other baked goods. It helps keep them soft and moist.

Hair Rinse

Rice water contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. After washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner use rice water as a final rinse. It may help make hair feel smoother and look shinier.

Natural Facial Toner

Rice water has been used in Asian skincare for generations. Apply it with a cotton pad to help refresh the skin reduce the appearance of irritation and leave your face feeling clean and fresh.

Feed Your Plants

Dilute rice water with plain water before using it on indoor or outdoor plants. It contains nutrients that may support healthy plant growth.

Natural Cleaner

Diluted rice water can be used to clean kitchen counters and wash some household items.  Its mild starch and natural compounds may help remove light grease and dirt.

Help Protect Plants

Spraying diluted rice water around plants may help discourage some garden pests.  While it is not a guaranteed pest control method it can be a simple natural option to try. Instead of wasting leftover rice water give it a second life around your home.

It is an easy low cost way to reduce waste and make use of something that is often thrown away.