URGENT UPDATE: Chickpea fans are being warned to stop discarding a valuable ingredient commonly found in canned chickpeas. Recent advice from culinary experts emphasizes that the liquid, known as Aquafaba, is a nutrient-rich powerhouse that many are overlooking.
Chickpeas, a staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines, are celebrated for their high protein and fiber content. However, the focus is now on what’s inside the can. Notably, cookbook author and founder of PlantYou, Carleigh Bodrug, is urging home cooks to rethink their approach. “This is something you should never throw away,” she stated.
Aquafaba, the thick, starchy liquid that chickpeas sit in, has gained recognition for its versatility, especially among the vegan community. Bodrug describes it as “liquid gold,” noting its potential to replace egg whites in recipes. “When you beat it with cream of tartar, it whips up just like egg whites,” she explained, making it an excellent meringue and mousse substitute.
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a prominent gut health expert, also weighed in on the benefits of Aquafaba during a recent episode of the Zoe podcast. He revealed that research shows Aquafaba contains 80 different types of fibre, which can nourish beneficial gut bacteria—something many people are spending money on through probiotics. “The part that people are discarding… can feed and give you that kind of bacteria,” he noted.
The call to action is clear: stop pouring this nutrient-rich liquid down the drain. With so much potential packed into each can, it’s time for chickpea enthusiasts to embrace all parts of this versatile legume.
As the conversation around sustainable cooking continues to grow, this advice could change how people approach not just chickpeas, but other canned goods as well. The message is clear: don’t waste what could be a game-changer in your kitchen.
For those looking to enhance their cooking, consider saving that Aquafaba next time you open a can of chickpeas. The possibilities are limitless, and it’s a cost-effective way to boost your diet with essential nutrients.
Stay tuned for more updates as this trend continues to gain traction in the culinary world.
