How do I cook no-wash rice?
Please refer to “this page” for detailed instructions.
Why does the water remain cloudy
and white after I rinse the no-wash rice?
The white liquid that comes from rice is the result of the rice’s starch content dissolving in water. Starch is a primary component of rice and poses no issues as a food ingredient. It is safe to cook as is. Excessive washing can potentially diminish the flavor of rice, so we recommend rinsing it only once.
Is it okay to wash and soak the rice
over night?
Leaving it overnight is not a problem. However, most of
the moisture is absorbed by the rice within 1-2 hours, so
there’s minimal absorption after that. Also, if the room
temperature is high, there’s an increased risk of the rice
spoiling. Therefore, we recommend storing it in the
refrigerator or adding ice during soaking.
How much water should I use when cooking rice?
For detailed water measurements, please refer to “here”.
After washing the rice, I strain and
let it dry completely before adding water
and cooking. Is this correct?
Straining and drying the rice may cause cracks on the
surface of the rice grains. This may result in loss of taste
and texture. For optimal cooking, please measure the
appropriate amount of water and cook without straining.
I cook a large batch of rice at once
and freeze the leftovers.
Is there a good way to eat it later?
We recommend defrosting using a microwave, in
heating or warming mode. The defrosting mode may not
properly defrost, so please make sure to check and use
the appropriate settings.
How long can frozen rice be stored?
Generally, frozen rice should be consumed within
one month. However, the quality may degrade and the
taste may change over time. To ensure the best flavor,
we recommend consuming it within two weeks.
How should I store rice?
When storing rice, there are several fundamental
considerations to keep in mind. Here’s a concise
summary of the key points:
1. Using Sealed Containers:
Rice easily absorbs odors from other items. For this
reason, it’s recommended to store it in an airtight
container.
The best places to store rice are in the vegetable
compartment of a refrigerator or in a cool, dry area.
Furthermore, rice bags typically have small holes to
maintain breathability. Therefore, it’s advisable not to
store the rice directly in these bags; instead, transfer the
rice to a sealed container.
2. Environmental Considerations:
Excessive heat, direct sunlight, and humidity are
enemies of rice. Under such conditions, rice can
deteriorate and become susceptible to mold or pests.
When storing, ensure you use containers with
tight-fitting lids to prevent moisture intrusion.
3. Maintaining Container Cleanliness:
Regularly clean and dry the containers or rice bins you
use. This helps prevent insect infestation.
If a container is difficult to clean, it’s better to avoid
using it for rice storage.
4. Odor Considerations:
As mentioned, rice has a natural tendency to absorb
odors. Be especially cautious with strong-smelling
substances like kerosene, detergents, or aromatic foods.
Ensure to keep rice away from these items and store it in
an appropriate place.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to maintain
the quality and flavor of your rice.
How should I store cooked rice?
For rice, it’s recommended to wrap individual portions
in plastic wrap and, once cooled, store them in the
freezer. When you’re ready to eat, heat them up in the
microwave. To maintain the best quality, consume the
frozen rice within 2 week. Keeping rice warm for an
extended period in a rice cooker can affect its color and
aroma. Additionally, storing rice in a rice cooker with
the power off can potentially impact its texture and
hygiene, so it’s best to avoid this practice.
There are black spots on the rice
During the growth of rice plants, the surface of the rice
grains can be damaged by insects, heat, and other
factors, resulting in black spots. These blemishes have
no impact on human health or the flavor of the rice.
However, rice milling facilities sometimes cannot
remove them entirely.
There are whitened grains mixed in.
Chalky or milky grains may form when rice is subjected
to inappropriate weather conditions during its growth,
such as high temperatures or lack of sunlight. This
happens when the starch in the rice doesn’t fully
mature, leading to the formation of tiny air pockets,
making the grain appear white. The impact on the
quality of rice is minimal, so the rice is safe to cook and
consume.
I found yellow and black discolored
rice grains in the bag.
Rice can develop mold and undergo color changes or
clump together when it comes into contact with
moisture (due to leaks). If you discover rice in such a
condition, please refrain from using it for safety reasons.
Refer to the proper storage methods for rice and take
care to avoid any moisture exposure.
There were insects in the rice.
Rice can be infested by insects that lay their eggs and
feed on the rice grains until they mature. The duration it
takes for them to become adults varies depending on the
temperature, but the insects become particularly active
at temperatures around 25°C (77°F). These eggs are tiny
and difficult to detect visually or remove completely,
even with the modern grain refining technology.
Therefore, it is crucial to store rice in airtight containers
and keep it away from humidity. Moreover, these insects
in rice are considered harmless to humans and are not
expected to have any health implications.
There was a brown lump in the rice.
During the rice milling process, clumps of bran called
“nuka balls” or “rice bran lumps” can sometimes be
mixed in with the rice. This bran is sticky and can
accumulate in the production line. These lumps are
derived from rice and are not harmful to health. They
are characterized as brown clumps that crumble into a
powdery form when pressed by hand. When water is
added, they become sticky.
There’s a smell coming from the freshly
cooked rice.
The following are the possible causes of unusual odors
from rice:
1. Odor transfer: Rice tends to absorb odors easily.
Avoid storing rice near sources of strong odors such as
detergents, fragrances, cosmetics, oils, or under the sink.
2. Unclean rice cooker: If the pot or other parts of the
rice cooker is dirty when cooking rice, it may result in
rice taking on a bad smell. Make sure to take care and
clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s
guidelines.
3. Water used for washing rice: If rice is not washed
promptly, it might absorb the murky washing water,
leading to a musty smell. For the first rinse, discard the
water immediately, ensuring that the entire rice washing
process is completed within 3 minutes.
4. Prolonged soaking of rice: Soaking rice in water for
extended periods of time under high temperatures
increases the risk of bacterial growth and causes the rice
to spoil. Particular caution is required when using
cooking timers overnight during the summer.
If you notice an unusual odor, check the above points
and take the necessary measures.
“After rinsing the polished rice with
water and cooking it, the rice turned
brown in spots.”
Several factors could be responsible for this:
1. Presence of Bacillus subtilis (also referred to here as
“Ecuador brown rice bacteria”):
Bacillus subtilis is a type of hay bacterium that is
commonly found in the soil. While discoloration caused
by certain bacteria or mold can be identified by its
appearance, the discoloration caused by Bacillus subtilis
is indistinguishable from regular rice.
2. Leaving rice soaked after washing:
If polished rice is rinsed and then left in a warm and
humid environment, the Bacillus subtilis population can
increase. As a result, a substance called subtilin is
produced, which oxidizes and turns brown during
cooking. Furthermore, it’s known that if glutinous rice is
soaked overnight and left in a warm state, it turns
brown, and the resulting mochi or rice cake will have a
deep brown color.
3. Condition of the paddy:
Paddies that were originally contaminated with Bacillus
subtilis can promote oxidation during the rice washing
process, leading to discoloration. While this rice is not
harmful to health, its value as a product diminishes.
4. Long-term storage in the refrigerator:
Storing rice in the refrigerator for extended periods can
lead to the production of a pigment called pyocyanin
due to the influence of cold-tolerant bacteria from the
Pseudomonas genus. This pigment turns from yellow to
orange when heated. Additionally, the sugars and
proteins present in rice can react and change the rice’s
color.
Even if the rice has discolored, it won’t adversely affect
your health. By adhering to proper storage methods,
such issues can be prevented.
Why are there hard centers left
in the rice after it’s cooked?
Soaking time is too short:
Before cooking rice, it’s important to soak it for the right
amount of time. This ensures that the water penetrates to
the center of the grain, resulting in fully cooked rice
without any hard center. For details on the correct
soaking time, please refer to “this link”.
Improper water ratio:
If the amount of water is insufficient, the rice may not be
cooked thoroughly. You can check the recommended
water quantity for your rice cookers “here”. When
adding water to the rice cooker pot, it’s best to measure
on a flat surface. You may adjust the amount of water
based on personal preference.
Issues with the rice cooker:
If the sealing gasket of the inner pot is misplaced or
damaged, it could affect the quality of the cooked rice.
Refer to your rice cooker’s instruction manual or contact
the manufacturer’s support for inspection and repair if
needed.
sBy checking the above and following the proper
procedures, you can enjoy delicious rice cooked
perfectly without any uncooked center.
After cooking the rice,
it turned out half-cooked. Why is that?
The following factors may be causing insufficient heat or
premature shut off of the rice cooker:
1. Dirt in the rice cooker:
Any grime on the bottom of the rice cooker’s pot or on
the thermal sensor, may cause the device to detect the
temperature inaccurately, leading to issues like
insufficient heat or premature shutdown. Regular
cleaning, especially removing dirt from the thermal
sensor, can help maintain the quality of the cooked rice.
2. Moisture on the pot:
If the pot is set with moisture left on the bottom, it might
interfere with proper cooking. It’s recommended to
thoroughly wipe off any moisture near the base of the
pot before setting it in place.
By checking and avoiding the above, you can expect to
resolve issues related to insufficient heat or premature
shut off of the rice cooker.
After cooking the rice and fluffing it,
I noticed a film-like substance sticking to
the wall of the pot. Is it safe to eat?
It’s formed from the starch contained in the rice. Since
it’s derived from rice, there are no safety concerns. This
starch film inevitably forms during the cooking process.
After cooking the rice and leaving it
for a while, it turned yellow. Why is that?
When rice is kept in the “Keep-warm mode” for an
extended period of time, it may turn yellow for the
following reasons.
1. Maillard reaction:
Prolonged warming causes a reaction between the
sugars and amino acids, resulting in Maillard reaction.
This may cause the rice to discolor in yellow.
2. Bacterial growth:
Prolonged warming can lead to the growth of
heat-resistant bacteria and cause discoloration.
3. Rice cooker performance:
Discoloration may occur faster depending on the
performance and characteristics of the rice cooker.
Please refer to the rice cooker manual for specific
warming times and instructions.
Our recommended keep-warm time is up to 2-3 hours,
and no longer than 5-6 hours at most.
The rice turned mushy when left
for a while after cooking.
The following may be causing rice to become too soft or
sticky while left in “Keep-warm mode” of a rice cooker:
Due to the water droplets:.
Steam generated in the rice cooker causes water
droplets to accumulate on the back of the lid and fall
onto the rice, which may cause the cooked rice to
become overly soft or sticky.
Solutions:
It is recommended that cooked rice be mixed and
fluffed well before eating.
If the rice has been kept warm for an extended time, let
the rice cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to remove
air and store it in the freezer.
Reheat the frozen rice in a microwave for a few minutes
to eat.
By taking these measures, you can maintain the quality
of the rice and enjoy its taste.
While washing the rice,
I noticed something like oil floating
on the water.
The surface of the rice grains has bran, so it’s possible
that the oil from the bran is coming out.
Can bugs appear even if it’s unopened?
Even if unopened, some bugs can chew through the bag
and enter. If more than one month has passed since the
rice was milled, it becomes more susceptible to bugs.
Insects become more active when the temperature is
above 20°C (68°F), especially during the warmer
months like summer, so it’s recommended not to stock
up on rice and to consume it as soon as possible.
