Don’t toss out that cloudy water after rinsing your rice. It turns out, this humble kitchen byproduct is a powerhouse for your plants.

While many have touted the benefits of rice water for promoting plant growth, a study has now confirmed that fermented washed rice water, a simple and sustainable fertilizer, can enhance crop growth in open fields.¹

So, before you pour that “leftover water” down the drain, consider how it could transform your garden into a lush yard.

Why Do You Need to Wash Rice?

Washing rice before cooking serves several purposes:

Cleanliness: Rice travels a long way before reaching your kitchen, picking up dirt, dust, debris, and even insects along the way. Rinsing helps remove these contaminants.
Starch Removal: Rice grains are coated in starch, which can make cooked rice gummy or sticky. Rinsing removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice with distinct grains. This is especially important for long-grain rice varieties like basmati and jasmine.
Preventing Clumping: Excess starch can cause rice grains to clump together during cooking. Washing helps prevent this, leading to more evenly cooked rice.
Flavor Enhancement: Some believe rinsing can remove any unwanted flavors or odors from the rice, resulting in a cleaner-tasting final product.

When Washing Isn’t Necessary

Pre-washed Rice: Some brands sell pre-washed rice, which has already undergone the rinsing process.
Dishes Where Stickiness is Desired: For dishes like risotto or sushi, stickier rice is preferred, so rinsing is not recommended.

How to Wash Rice

Place rice in a bowl or strainer.
Rinse with cold water until the water runs clear.
Gently swirl the rice with your fingers while rinsing.
Drain the water thoroughly before cooking.

Note: While washing rice offers benefits, it’s not always strictly necessary. Many people skip this step without any issues. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wash rice comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome of your dish.

The Truth About Rice Water & Plants

The idea of using leftover rice water to nourish plants has gained traction among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

The Good

Nutrients: Rice water contains small amounts of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
Starch: The starch in rice water can act as a food source for beneficial soil microbes, which in turn can improve soil health and nutrient availability for plants.
Growth Promotion: Some studies have suggested that rice water might promote plant growth and even help deter pests.
Sustainability: Utilizing rice water is an eco-friendly way to repurpose kitchen scraps and reduce waste.

The Not-So-Good

Limited Nutrients: The nutrient content of rice water is relatively low compared to commercial fertilizers. It’s more of a supplement than a primary nutrient source.
Risk of Rot and Fungal Growth: The starch in rice water can attract unwanted pests and promote the growth of harmful fungi or bacteria, especially if used in excess or on plants prone to root rot.
Fermentation: Fermented rice water (which some recommend) can develop an unpleasant odor and may not be suitable for indoor use.

Tips for Watering Plants with Rice Water

Rice water can be a beneficial addition to your plant care routine, but it’s important to use it with caution and not over-rely on it as the sole source of nutrients. Here are some tips for using rice water effectively:

Dilute it: Mix rice water with plain water at a ratio of 1:10 to avoid overwhelming your plants.
Apply to Soil, Not Foliage: Pour diluted rice water directly onto the soil around the base of your plants. Avoid spraying it on leaves, as it can leave a sticky residue and attract pests.
Use in Moderation: Don’t apply rice water too frequently. Once a week or every other week is sufficient.
Monitor Plants: Observe your plants for any signs of overwatering, fungal growth, or pest problems. If you notice any issues, reduce or discontinue using rice water.

What Plants Benefit from Rice Water?

Image Credit: Katrin_Vishenka/Deposit Photos

A wide variety of plants can benefit from the nutrients and growth-promoting properties of rice water. Here are some examples:

Houseplants

Succulents and Cacti: These plants thrive in slightly acidic soil, which rice water can provide. It can also help them grow fuller and develop stronger roots.
Ferns: Rice water can help ferns maintain their lush foliage and vibrant green color.
Spider Plants: These resilient plants can benefit from the nutrients in rice water, resulting in faster growth and more offshoots.
African Violets: These flowering plants can produce more blooms and healthier leaves when given rice water.
Orchids: Some orchid enthusiasts have reported success using rice water to promote root growth and flowering.

Outdoor Plants

Vegetable Gardens: Tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, eggplant, and other vegetables can experience bigger yields and improved disease resistance when watered with rice water.
Fruit Trees: Rice water can be used to nourish fruit trees like citrus and mango, potentially increasing fruit production.
Flower Beds: Various flowering plants like roses, geraniums, and marigolds can benefit from the nutrients in rice water, leading to more vibrant blooms.
Herbs: Basil, mint, cilantro, and other herbs can grow more vigorously with regular applications of rice water.

So, the next time you’re preparing a delicious rice dish, don’t let that cloudy rinse water go to waste. Harness its hidden potential and give your plants the nutrient boost they crave. It’s a win-win: you’ll reduce waste, save money on fertilizers, and enjoy a flourishing garden bursting with life.

Source:

Heliyon

This “Leftover Water” is the Key to Lush, Thriving Plants