How to make fermented foods using leftover rice water
What's the story
Rice water, which we often throw away after cooking, makes a great base for nutritious, fermented food.
This trick minimizes waste and also boosts the nutritional value of rice water.
The process of fermentation brings in good bacteria, which aids digestion and gut health.
Here's how you can create a variety of fermented foods using rice water in just a few simple steps.
Preparation
Preparing rice water for fermentation
To start the fermentation process, source the water used to rinse/boil rice.
Make sure it's not contaminated by using clean utensils and containers.
The starch in rice water makes it a great medium for fermentation.
Let the collected rice water cool down before you begin fermentation to avoid any undesirable bacterial growth.
Ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients is key to successful fermentation.
You can add vegetables like carrots and cucumbers for flavor and texture. Ginger or turmeric can be used to enhance taste and add extra health benefits.
You could also experiment with different combinations to have unique flavors in every batch of fermented food.
Monitoring
Monitoring fermentation process
During fermentation, keep a close watch on temperature and time.
Ideal temperatures are between 20 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
It may take longer or shorter based on the taste you want; usually, three to five days are enough for most recipes.
Keep looking for signs of spoilage like off-putting odors or mold growth.
Storage
Storing your fermented creations
Once your fermented food achieves the desired level of fermentation, you must transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate.
This is an important step as it halts the fermentation process, preserving the distinct flavors that have developed.
Proper storage is important to keep your fermented creations fresh and consumable for weeks.
Always make sure that these foods are stored properly in the refrigerator to last long.