Why rinse rice

There are some things we do with food that will always trigger a debate, like how you cut your sandwiches diagonally or in half? One of those debates has to do with a food staple that is enjoyed by many, many people around the world — rice. And everyone is probably equally divided over how rice should be prepped before it is cooked, with one group believing rice can be thrown straight into a pot and boiled until it has become a fluffy mass of comfort carbs, while the other thinking that rice would benefit from a good rinse before it is cooked.

The Chowhound says that because there are different types of rice on the market, what works for one variety won't work on the other. Yes, but that's only part of the answer. Rice is another food that often gets a rinse. Does it need one? But should you do one anyway? In the context of rice, rinsing means exposing grains to water until that water runs clear, a task that requires more of a thorough washing. At first, the tap water will appear cloudy. But soon, that water will lose its milky tint and turn clear as a windowpane.

There are a few reasons to rinse rice. The first might be the most obvious: for cleaning. Rice goes through many steps in its journey from paddy to pot. We prefer to swoosh the rice around in a bowl full of cold water a couple of times, pouring out the water in one fluid, fast motion between rinses.

All of the rice, with the exception of a grain or two, will remain safely at the bottom of the bowl. The difference from the first rinse to the third is glaringly apparent: The water will go from distinctly cloudy to clear enough that you should be able to see your submerged hand.

It will never be crystal clear, but even a few rinses makes all the difference. Definitely Required Well, calling it a question is something of a misstep. Here's Why The chief reason to rinse is to remove surface starch from rice grains, which can make them gummy as they cook.

The Experiment After putting on my lab coat, I set out to test what I already knew: the rinsed, soaked rice would be lighter, fluffier and more "moreish" to eat. Method Two: Rinse, soak and monitor For batch number two, I thoroughly rinsed 1 cup of rice in a strainer, taking care to agitate it by mixing it with my hands. Enjoying the results The results? Subscribe to Email Updates. Search Posts. Popular Topics. Most Recent Posts. Locations Virtual tours:. Merchandise Mart Lincoln Square.

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