Rice is the staple food of many regions of the world. But
there is a lot of confusion on rice grains washing before cooking. Why it is
necessary and how it should be done?
Rice washing
This is a procedure done in many households where rice is
eaten in the form of cooked rice. It is carried out just before the rice is to
be cooked and potable water is used for the purpose. People wonder why this is
necessary and especially this thought comes to the mind when there is a
scarcity of water. People wonder what would happen if the rice is not washed
before cooking and instead directly cooked.
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Rice washing is necessary [Source: Taste]
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The reasons for washing
There are multiple reasons that mandate rice washing with
potable water prior to cooking. One of the reasons is to remove dirt and
impurities that might have been missed during the initial process of picking up
the visible particles in the rice such as small stones, husk, some small
insects etc.
Besides, cleaning also removes the boric acid that is often
added to rice to increase its shelf-life and prevent it from getting infested
with insects. Boric acid is added 1 spoonful per 5 kg of the rice grains for
this purpose. Boric acid ingestion can be dangerous when small amounts are
taken over a long time such as with non-cleaned rice. It could lead to nausea,
vomiting, loose motions, and stomach aches. Skin rashes, headaches, fever,
tremors, twitching, and weakness also might occur. It might also affect the
respiratory system, central nervous system, and kidneys. It does not cause
cancer. When it enters the body it is not broken down and excreted within 4
days. It gets an even distribution in the body and can get stored in bone.
Nutritional benefits of rice washing
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Rice washing in a large bowl [Source: Shutterstock]
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Rice washing before cooking also removes the surface starch.
This if not removed makes the rice gummy with cooking and the grains tend to
stick to each other. But when removed the rice grains are discrete and good to
eat. Besides, soaking and rinsing rice makes the rice grains absorb some water
that gives it an edge on cooking time. Besides, the rice is better and gets an
even texture after cooking due to this. The inside and outside of the grains
get evenly cooked and fluffed up. Washing also helps to overcome the smell that
may be there in the rice that is not washed. Besides, rice that is not washed
also gets spoiled faster.
How to wash rice?
One can clean rice in a large bowl, container, or a
fine-mesh strainer called rice colander. Put the rice inside the fine-mesh
strainer and rinse it under the tap water until the returning water is clear.
Prefer a bowl that is transparent and deep. Add three times more potable water
and rinse. Usually, 3-4 rinses are adequate. With clean hands, stir the rice
around the bowl and rub them against each other. You can put the wet rice
grains in between the palms and rub them together. Soon the eater turns clear
and then it acquires a milky opaque color. The latter is because the grains now
start breaking up and the tiny particles in water impart the opaqueness and
white color to the water. Besides the starch that comes out of the grains also
give this color to the water. You can use this water later for other dishes or
can throw it away. Now the rice is washed well and cleaned. Nowadays, rice
washing machines are also available.
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Rice washing machine [Source: Pinterest]
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When is rice cleaning
not preferred?
When you want to make a
dish where you need the rice to be sticky, one can avoid vigorous washing. Also
when the rice used is fortified, rinsing is best avoided to preserve the added
minerals and vitamins.
Rice water and its uses
The drained out rice
water that is milky is used for facial cleansing and as a skin tonic. It is said
to contained vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and the nourishing
antioxidant ferulic acid. Additionally, it has allantoin that is good
for the skin and soothes it. Rice water is also rich in inositol that strengthens
hair and prevents hair friction. Some feel that leaving this water outside for
24-48 hours ferments it and makes it sour. This is more nourishing and soothing
than plain rice water, people claim. The water prevents and treats acne, eczema,
and irritated skin. It is also good for sunburns and prevents ageing. It could be
used for hair rinse as well. Alos it is good for plants.
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