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    Home Β» Resources

    How to Gather, Store and Use Aquafaba

    Published: Jan 25, 2021 by Sherri Hall Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

    pin showing pouring aquafaba into mason jar from mixing bowl

    Aquafaba is one of my favorite ingredients to use in vegan baking and cooking. If you're new to aquafaba, you'll find out what it is, how to gather it, how to store it and some ways you can use it.

    top photo showing chickpeas going from can to mesh strainer and bottom photo showing aquafaba pouring into mason jar
    Jump to:
    • What is aquafaba?
    • How to gather aquafaba from a can of chickpeas
    • How to store aquafaba
    • Uses for aquafaba

    What is aquafaba?

    Aquafaba is the liquid found in a can of chickpeas that is typically sent down the drain when the chickpeas are rinsed.

    The term "aquafaba" literally means legume water, as it is derived from the words "faba" meaning legume and "aqua" meaning water.

    However, it is most commonly derived from chickpeas, particularly canned chickpeas.

    This "chickpea water" has been gaining popularity in recent years as an egg replacement in vegan baking and cooking.

    Its starchy properties allow it to work as a binder, and it can be used to replace whole eggs as well as egg whites in a variety of recipes.

    Typically, 3 tablespoons of liquid aquafaba is equivalent to 1 whole egg and 2 tablespoons is equivalent to 1 egg white; however, these are just estimates.

    Although little is known about its nutritional makeup, the website Aquafaba.com notes that 1 tablespoon of aquafaba contains between 3 and 5 calories.

    How to gather aquafaba from a can of chickpeas

    First, place a mesh strainer over a small mixing bowl with pour spout.

    mesh strainer sitting over a mixing bowl

    Then open the can of chickpeas.

    The liquid that they are packed in is the aquafaba.

    overhead of open can of chickpeas with text and arrow showing aquafaba.

    As you can see in the photo, my can seemed to have a straggler along for the ride. 😉

    Pour the chickpeas into the mesh strainer to drain the liquid right into the bowl.

    pouring a can of chickpeas into a mesh strainer over a mixing bowl to drain the liquid

    Tip: I recommend using "no salt added" chickpeas when gathering aquafaba for baked goods and desserts.

    After the chickpeas are thoroughly drained, remove the mesh strainer from the mixing bowl and set it aside.

    holding a mesh strainer of chickpeas over a mixing bowl

    Pour the aquafaba from the mixing bowl into a mason jar.

    pouring aquafaba into mason jar from mixing bowl

    Now you have your aquafaba!

    aquafaba in a mason jar

    Cap the mason jar tightly with the lid.

    Shake the sealed jar a few times and now your aquafaba is ready to use.

    As for the chickpeas, rinse them off in the mesh strainer and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    How to store aquafaba

    Aquafaba should be stored in a sealed mason jar in the refrigerator where it will last for up to a week.

    You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

    I like to freeze it in increments of 2, 3 and 6 tablespoons in separate mason jars for future use.

    If doing so, I suggest putting a label with the amount on each individual mason jar lid.

    If freezing, be sure to let the aquafaba fully thaw in the refrigerator before using.

    Do not defrost it in the microwave as this will change its properties.

    Give the sealed jar of aquafaba a good shake a few minutes before using.

    Uses for aquafaba

    Aquafaba can be used in its liquid form (unwhipped) for baking to replace whole eggs in certain recipes such as cookies, brownies and muffins.

    Chickpea Flour Brownies on a Wood Board
    Chickpea Flour Brownies

    It also works nicely in boxed mixes calling for 1-2 whole eggs such as muffins, cupcakes and cakes.

    Some recipes involve whipping aquafaba with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, especially those using it to replace egg whites as in these meringues by Loving it Vegan and this chocolate mousse by Detoxinista.

    If whipping, it's best to allow the aquafaba to come to room temperature if it had been in the fridge.

    But aquafaba isn't just for baking.

    It can also be used to make vegan whipped cream as demonstrated by Nora Cooks.

    And, you can use it to replace the egg coating typically used when breading food.

    I use it to coat tofu before breading as well as these vegan chickpea nuggets, this vegan air fryer eggplant and these vegan mashed potato balls.

    Mashed Potato Balls on a wooden serving block with vegan sour cream and chive dip behind them
    Mashed Potato Balls

    It can also be used to make vegan mayo and subsequently, dressings from the mayo base like this vegan ranch.

    In addition to an egg replacement, it can also double as an oil replacement in some recipes.

    For example, a combination of aquafaba and almond flour work together to keep these vegan biscuits oil-free.

    close up of vegan almond flour biscuits on a white serving dish on a wooden board with chives in front
    Almond Flour Biscuits

    It can also be used in hummus in place of some of the oil while keeping a creamy consistency when not using tahini like in this basic tahini-free hummus recipe where I used half the amount of oil I had used before trying it with aquafaba.

    You can also use aquafaba as a binder for vegan "meat" like in the mini "meatballs" in this quinoa soup.

    So, are YOU ready to try aquafaba? What will you make with it first?

    For more ways to replace eggs, check out this list of 11 vegan egg substitutes for baking.

    ©Watch Learn Eat. All content on this page is copyright protected and is not to be used or republished without prior permission.

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    1. DAWN M GUERRA

      May 30, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      Measuring it (by tbsp.) into an ice cube tray, then freezing, makes it much easier to use in recipes. I only have to thaw individual cubes (depending how much I need), so I don't waste any, or ruin any in the thaw.
      Maybe it's just my OCD, but I like the measuring/storing, as it make organizing things so much easier!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        May 31, 2022 at 7:00 am

        Love that idea, Dawn! Thanks so much for sharing! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    2. Purna Rodman

      February 21, 2022 at 8:47 am

      How much aquafaba is typically in one 15oz can of chickpeas?

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        February 21, 2022 at 10:25 am

        Hi Purna! Great question! It varies but typically I get somewhere between 3/4-1 cup of aquafaba from a 15-oz. can. Hope that helps! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    3. Tisa

      August 26, 2021 at 9:48 pm

      To store in freezer: divide in 2, 4, & 6 tablespoon portions I individual mason jars?

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        August 27, 2021 at 9:18 am

        Hi Tisa...thanks for reaching out! Yes, that's usually what I do and label them so I can just defrost the amount I need instead of all of it. Hope that helps! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    4. Rita

      April 07, 2021 at 6:34 pm

      Would be excellent to show the container it comes in, glass jar or can and where in a grocery store one may find it!

      Reply
      • Sherri Hall

        April 08, 2021 at 7:03 am

        Hi Rita! The aquafaba itself is not sold as is in grocery stores...it comes from a can of chickpeas. As the pictures show, when you drain the can of chickpeas, the liquid that is leftover is the aquafaba. You can find canned chickpeas typically wherever canned beans are sold in your grocery store. Hope that helps! πŸ™‚

        Reply

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    With a lifelong passion for cooking, I specialize in creating easy meatless meals that are omnivore-approved!

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