The many uses of potato water (2024)

Did you know that there are many wonderful uses for potato water? That’s right! When you boil your potatoes for the next meal, you can also use the remaining potato water for so many other wonderful uses! We explain about potato water’s potential.

Potato water is nutritious

Potatoes are packed with numerous minerals and vitamins. So is potato water. By adding it to any dish, you are giving your meal an extra dose of nutrients like vitamins B and C, potassium and fibre, and phytonutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids which are beneficial to your health and well-being. Overall, potatoes are known to boost brain function, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and aid digestion. Here are some potato water uses in cooking, baking, and preparing meals without gluten or dairy.

  • Use it as a base for gravy (you won’t need to add as many thickeners!)
  • Save the water and use it in making mashed potatoes. It will lessen the amount of cream needed to make them lighter.
  • Add a bit of salt and pepper to it and drink it as an almost 0 calorie food.
  • Add potato water to bread mixes to add texture and a bit of extra flavour.
  • Pour over dehydrated vegetables to hydrate them.
  • Another potato water use is to pour it over dry dog food. They will LOVE it!

Potato water is good for indoor plants and gardens

Nourishment for your indoor plants and garden. After you boil the potatoes, remove the water, and allow to cool down. At room temperature, you can add it to your watering can and water your precious plants both indoors and outdoors. Here are a few tips!

  • Your garden and indoor plants do not like salt. Do not add salt to the water you are using to boil potatoes if you plan to use on plants.
  • Both salt and boiling water are great weed killers. When you cook potatoes in salted water, use the drained water right away on undesirable weeds in your garden paths. This type of weed killer works best with broad leaf weeds. Reminder: be sure to keep this water away from your healthy plants!

Tips on how to store potato water

If you want to save your potato water waste for a long time, freeze it. For short-term storage, pour the potato water into a glass jar and place it in the fridge. It can last for up to a week.

We hope you enjoyed our tips on the many uses of potato water. Be sure to check out our other tips such as how to make homemade dog toys, how to sew a pillowcase, and fun spring decoration DIY’s.

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The many uses of potato water (2024)

FAQs

The many uses of potato water? ›

The presence of starch and minerals makes potato cooking water an excellent natural fertiliser for plants at home or in the garden. Getting grease off the dishes. Before using washing-up liquid and a sponge, rinsing with potato cooking water helps get rid of grease from dishes, making them easier to wash.

What can potato water be used for? ›

You can thicken a broth, soup, or stew by using potato water rather than plain water, again avoiding using flour if you are eliminating gluten. Some people even like to turn potato water into a broth by adding celery salt, black pepper, and a little bouillon. Don't toss the potato water–look for ways to put it to use.

Is drinking potato water good for you? ›

Potatoes are packed with numerous minerals and vitamins. So is potato water. By adding it to any dish, you are giving your meal an extra dose of nutrients like vitamins B and C, potassium and fibre, and phytonutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids which are beneficial to your health and well-being.

Is potato water good for all plants? ›

Just as the starchy pasta water can help add microorganisms to the soil to boost plant growth, so can potato water. Potato water adds potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium to the soil so most houseplants will benefit from an occasional drink.

What does adding vinegar to potato water do? ›

Vinegar causes the potatoes to form a thin crust that further helps in retaining their shape. Vinegar increases the acid pH levels of water which further helps the potato just like when you add a little salt to the water while boiling eggs.

What does potato water do to your hair? ›

Adds Luster: Potato juice helps in closing your hair cuticles, giving your locks an added shine and texture. Conditions Hair: The many nutrients in potato juice keep your hair and scalp moisturized and conditioned, reducing dryness. This also helps in treating dandruff, itchiness and flakiness.

Is boiled potato water good for skin? ›

From dark circles to dark spots, potato is a one-stop solution for almost all your skin-related woes. Potatoes are enriched with the goodness of vitamin C, vitamin B, and other essential nutrients. You can either mash it, grate it, or use its juice in skincare.

Is potato water good for tomatoes? ›

Several gardening sources suggest that using water from boiling potatoes, for use in watering plants is beneficial. This makes sense, as potatoes are nutrient-rich with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

How to use potato water for face? ›

Grate a fresh potato or blend it into a smooth juice. You can use a juicer or simply grate the potato and squeeze out the juice. Apply the potato juice directly to your face, focusing on any areas of concern, such as blemishes, dark spots, or signs of ageing.

How to make potato fertilizer? ›

The Farm Babe - Potatoes as Fertilizer for the Garden

First, you will want to peel your potatoes and set the peels aside in a jar. Next, fill the jar with the skins up with water until it is full, and let it sit for 3-7 days. Each day be sure to gently stir the skins and water in the jar.

Why do you put baking soda in potato water? ›

Meanwhile, the alkaline water helps the exteriors of the potatoes break down more, creating much more of the starchy slurry that leads to an extra-crisp exterior. About a half teaspoon of baking soda for two quarts of water was the right amount.

Why do you put salt in potato water? ›

Dense potatoes don't absorb seasonings easily, so you'll need to salt the water liberally so that the water the potatoes do drink up also carries in seasoning. And because potatoes are so timid in flavor, they need that salt to bring them out of their shells. Pour some salt in, then keep going.

What does Epsom salt do for potatoes? ›

Ideally, potato plants require ³⁄₁₀ to ¹¹⁄₂₀% magnesium after the fourth leaf emerges from the tip. How does Epsom salt help potatoes? Epsom salt is a readily available source of magnesium and sulfur, which can help correct magnesium deficiency in plants.

What is the benefit of putting potatoes in water? ›

The reason is to prevent the potatoes exposure to air, which causes dehydration, oxidation, and discoloration. Immersing cut potatoes will also help rinse off excess starch.

Can you use potato water to cook pasta? ›

ATK even have developed a recipe where they add cornflour to the pasta water during cooking to create that starchiness, both in the liquid and as a coating on the pasta. Your potato water will do just fine. Don't forget to salt the water.

Can I make gravy with potato water? ›

While it may seem a little weird at first, the water that is left behind after boiling potatoes actually makes a great base for a delicious gravy. This is because the potato starch present in the water can act as the perfect natural thickener. Also, potato water just so happens to be packed full of vitamins.

What does salting potato water do? ›

Dense potatoes don't absorb seasonings easily, so you'll need to salt the water liberally so that the water the potatoes do drink up also carries in seasoning. And because potatoes are so timid in flavor, they need that salt to bring them out of their shells. Pour some salt in, then keep going.

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