Quinoa is a whole grain and gluten free carbohydrate that most would want to eat though others still wonder if it is truly whole grain. Nevertheless, no one can discount its health benefits especially if prepared well.
Do you love to have quinoa for meals, and do you rinse or wash it with water to ensure it is truly clean?
It is a must for us to ensure the food we prepare are clean and quinoa for instance needs to be rinsed for a few minutes to cleanse it from saponin.
Each quinoa seed is coated with its natural chemical called saponin which gives it a bitter tang. Rinsing quinoa is the best way to thoroughly get rid of its saponin coating.
So, how can you rinse your quinoa the best way? Basically, you will need the best colander or what others simply call, a strainer.
Quinoa seeds or grains can be of different sizes therefore you will need a colander with fine holes to strain it.
A colander also called sieve or strainer is a kitchen ware or utensil used for rinsing grains. It comes in different sizes, colors, and material. Depending on the size of the colander, it can also be used for other purposes like draining your fruits and vegetables after washing them or straining your favorite pasta.
Now, the big question is, “Which is the best colander for rinsing your quinoa?”. There are different colanders available in the market and if you are not meticulous enough as to look at its size and design, then it will all look the same even when they are not.
Now, we are here to help you choose which is the best colander to strain your quinoa. Get on the details and pick your best out of these top five amazing colanders.
5 Amazing Colanders For Quinoa
1. OXO Good Grips Washing Colander
This colander is specifically designed with small holes to ensure that very tiny impure particles will be rinsed off your quinoa and other grains.
Unlike typical colanders with tiny round holes, this colander has tiny square holes and it perfect for rinsing grains like rice and quinoa.
It has non-slip handles for a better grip on the colander while you rinse your grains.
Key Features:
- Soft non-slip handles
- Tiny square holes
- Drain holes for straining excess water
- Spout for removing excess water
Pros:
- Perfect for rinsing quinoa and other small grains
- Designed specifically for rinsing quinoa
- Made from BPA free material
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Draining excess water can take time due to its tiny holes
2. Bellemain Micro-perforated Stainless Steel 5-quart Colander
A sturdy colander made of stainless steel and has a lifetime guarantee. This is a good choice for heady duty straining not only for quinoa seeds but also for rice, pasta and other food that needs to be rinsed or drained.
It is recommended for rinsing and straining quinoa because of its tiny holes.
Key Features:
- Tiny holes or micro-perforations
- Durable stainless-steel material
- Sturdy base
Pros:
- Drains faster
- Dishwasher friendly
- Rust proof
Cons:
- Very small grains may pass through the colander holes
3. Winco MS3A-8D Strainer with Double Fine Mesh
An 8-inch colander that is just right for quinoa rinsing with its double layer stainless-steel mesh. It has tiny holes which makes it good for rinsing quinoa and other grains but can be used only in rinsing small amounts because of its small size.
The double layer mesh with tiny holes ensures that the good grains will not go through it while rinsing. It is good for cleansing and straining quinoa but not recommended for straining pasta because of its size.
It has a long wooden handle for easy grip unlike other colanders. Also, because of its long handle it is not safe to be cleaned in your dishwasher.
It also has 2 ears that hooks on pots or pans to make it stable while straining or draining excess water.
Key Features:
- Durable stainless-steel material
- Fine holes for straining
- Long wooden handle
Pros
- Fine mesh good for straining grains
- Durable material
- Easy to hand clean
Cons
- Small colander limits amount of grains to be rinsed or strained
- Not dishwasher safe
4. LiveFresh Stainless Steel Micro-perforated 5-Quart Colander
A colander of micro-perforated holes made from high grade stainless steel with sturdy base.
This colander is recommended and one of the chef’s favorites for rinsing and straining grains and other food in the kitchen thus it is best for washing and straining your quinoa.
It has two riveted handles that makes it easy to carry around and a durable base that puts the colander perfectly stable.
It is also considered a multi-purpose colander because it is big enough for containing any kind of grains and food. It has a sturdy sieve and can be used for rinsing and straining different kinds of vegetables, fruits and even pasta.
It is safe to wash in the dishwasher and guaranteed to be 100% durable.
Key Features:
- High-grade stainless-steel material
- Durable base and riveted handles
- Micro-perforated sieve for quick draining
Pros:
- Micro-perforated holes efficient for straining quinoa and other small grains
- Durable and rust-proof stainless-steel sieve
- Lifetime and money-back guarantee
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons
- Too bulky in the dishwasher.
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HÖLM 3-Piece Stainless Steel Mesh Micro-Perforated Strainer Colander Set
This colander comes in a set of three and is a fully perforated mesh strainer made of stainless-steel durable for rinsing quinoa and all kind of vegetables and fruits.
The colanders in this set has tiny holes that prevent quinoa from getting through as well as other small grains yet drains water quickly.
It is designed to be superior in quality with its sturdy base and handles on sides. The base makes it stable on your countertop and the handles makes it easy to carry around.
This colander set has 3 different sizes which makes it easier for you to choose the perfect size of colander for your rinsing and straining tasks.
It also rust-proof and has a guaranteed lifetime durability.
Key Features:
- 3 different sizes in one set (4.5-quart, 5-quart, and 1-quart)
- BPA free and durable stainless-steel material
- Fully perforated strainer or sieve
- Secure handles
Pros:
- Multi-purpose strainer
- Sturdy base will not tilt
- Dishwasher safe and rust-proof
Cons
- Smaller holes on the sieve takes time to drain
Related Questions
It is great to have the best 5 colanders sorted out for you and we hope you can now easily take your pick.
Still, we will share these bits of information that could be of help to you.
How long should you rinse your quinoa for?
We rinse quinoa to clean it. Rinsing quinoa could be done several times to ensure that unwanted particles like dust are removed. Check the water strained from your quinoa and you can say whether it is already clean and safe to eat or if it needs another rinsing. You can rinse your quinoa for not more than 5 minutes.
Some people soak quinoa for a minute or two before rinsing it to ensure that its saponin coating can be easily rinsed off.
Is it safe to eat quinoa without rinsing?
Yes, it is safe to eat your quinoa without washing it, but it will taste bitter because of its saponin coating. It is best to rinse quinoa before eating and be sure to rinse it well so you can get rid of its saponin coating and it will not taste bitter.
Do I need to wash quinoa before cooking?
Cooking quinoa without rinsing it may affect the taste of your dish, so it is better to clean or rinse it well before cooking. Keep in mind that quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that gives its bitter taste. Washing or rinsing quinoa will remove its saponin coating and will result to its natural grainy taste.
Can I eat quinoa every day?
Quinoa is safe to eat daily but in moderate amount. It is highly nutritious and very rich in fiber but still there is a recommended serving for eating quinoa. It is recommended that adults can eat up to one cup of serving while for children ages 13 and below only 3 to 6 ounces of grains are recommended.
