There are two main schools of thought on this issue. The first school of thought holds that washing grits is essential to remove any excess starch, which can make them gummy and unpleasant to eat. The second school of thought holds that washing grits is unnecessary and can actually make them less flavorful.
So, who is right? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of washing grits and help you decide whether or not it is the right step for you.
The Pros of Washing Grits
There are several reasons why some people believe that washing grits is a good idea.
- Removes excess starch: As mentioned above, excess starch can make grits gummy and unpleasant to eat. Washing grits can help to remove some of this starch, resulting in a lighter and less-gritty texture.
- Improves flavor: Some people believe that washing grits can also improve their flavor. This is because the washing process can remove any bitterness that may be present in the grits.
- Prevents grits from foaming: When grits are cooked, they can sometimes foam up. Washing the grits can help to reduce the amount of foam that forms, making it easier to cook them evenly.
The Cons of Washing Grits
While there are some potential benefits to washing grits, there are also some potential drawbacks.
- Can remove nutrients: The washing process can also remove some of the nutrients that are present in grits. This is because the water used to wash the grits will also contain some of the nutrients that were dissolved from the grits.
- Can make grits less flavorful: Some people believe that washing grits can actually make them less flavorful. This is because the washing process can remove some of the natural oils that are present in the grits.
- Can be time-consuming: Washing grits can be a time-consuming process. If you are short on time, you may not want to bother with washing your grits.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wash grits is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, so you will need to weigh them carefully and decide what is best for you.
If you are looking for a lighter and less-gritty texture, then washing your grits may be a good option for you. However, if you are concerned about removing nutrients or flavor, then you may want to skip the washing step.
Here are some additional tips for cooking grits:
- Use the right type of grits. There are different types of grits available, each with its own unique properties. If you are not sure which type of grits to use, ask your butcher or grocer for recommendations.
- Use the right amount of water. The amount of water you use will depend on the type of grits you are using and the desired consistency of your grits. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of grits.
- Cook grits over low heat. Grits can easily overcook, so it is important to cook them over low heat. Stir the grits frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Season grits to taste. Once the grits are cooked, you can season them to taste with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
With these tips in mind, you can cook perfect grits every time!