Should You Wash Rice or Not? The Answer is Yes! It’s recommended to wash your rice before cooking. Why this step matters and how to properly wash your rice can be found in this article with all the details.
Why Wash Rice?
It’s strongly recommended to thoroughly rinse rice with water before consumption. In Asian countries, washing rice is a given, but it’s less common in other parts of the world. So, why is it important to wash rice properly?
There are several reasons, with the most significant being that rice grains are often contaminated with inorganic arsenic. Rice plants absorb this naturally occurring semi-metal from the soil as they grow. Inorganic arsenic can be toxic to humans, and according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), these compounds are classified as carcinogenic and can lead to vascular and nerve damage. Therefore, it’s crucial to wash rice thoroughly before cooking.
Should All Types of Rice Be Washed?
The amount of arsenic (arsenic trioxide) that rice plants absorb during growth varies. This depends on several factors, such as the arsenic levels in the soil of the cultivation area, and the type of rice being prepared. Here’s a brief overview.
Brown Rice, Parboiled Rice, and Polished Rice Varieties
White, peeled rice generally has lower arsenic levels compared to brown or parboiled rice. This is because arsenic tends to be concentrated in the outer layers of the grains. However, almost all rice varieties should be washed to remove any contaminants or excess starch after peeling. A positive side effect of washing is that the rice remains fluffy and separate, making it perfect for dishes like tuna rice salad or chicken stir-fry. You should wash these types of rice:
- Basmati Rice
- Jasmine Rice
- Brown Rice
- Wild Rice
- Red Rice
- Black Rice
- Sadri Rice
Special Rice Varieties Like Risotto Rice
There are a few rice varieties that don’t necessarily need to be washed before cooking. These include:
- Risotto Rice
- Milk Rice
- Paella Rice
- Sushi Rice
These types of rice contain a lot of starch, which is crucial for achieving the creamy texture of milk rice and the sticky consistency of risotto. Washing the starch away would compromise these textures.
How to Wash Rice Properly
With a few exceptions, it’s generally recommended to wash rice before cooking. This helps reduce arsenic levels and removes contaminants and excess starch. Here’s a quick guide on how to wash rice:
- Place the Raw Rice in a Bowl: Cover it with cold water.
- Swirl the Rice: Move the rice around in the water with your hands. The water will become milky and cloudy.
- Drain the Rice: Pour the rice through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Repeat the Process: Wash the rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
Tip: For dishes like vegetable curry, cook the rice in plenty of water and discard the cooking water afterward. This further reduces arsenic levels.
