My water turned bright red!

Question

I was blanching veggies for my pasta dish last night - first fava beans, then fresh peas.  After I took them out the water was fine, I turned off the heat for a few minutes until I was ready to cook the pasta and when I came back to the pot 5 minutes later, the water was bright red!  I've blanched veggies many times and never had that happen.  Does anyone have an idea what might have happened?

nouveauchef · Answer

Thanks - I just talked to a local chef and he said it was because I had waited and reboiled the water.  The chlorophyll from the favas and peas oxidized and caused the red color.  I may just try to use this as my next party trick!  My kids will love it.

pierino · Answer

It's the favas beans. Don't worry it's not toxic and perfectly safe to cook your pasta in.

My water turned bright red!

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