Should you wash rice before cooking it? This has been a matter of discussion for years. The uncertainty arises due to the fact that rice grains are often covered in a fine powder of starch.
There are diverse opinions about washing or rinsing rice before cooking. For some, it's merely a matter of traditional cooking habits. But, it's more than just a tradition. Different types of rice have different starch content and their preparation requires varied methods. For instance, basmati, Thai, or whole wheat rice are best when the grains are separate. To achieve this, it is advised to rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
Not all packaged rice recommends rinsing. Some do, some don't. But it's not just about the stickiness or the texture of the cooked rice. It's also about health issues. Like fruits and vegetables, rice can contain dust, bacteria, viral particles, chemicals, and even microscopic insects. Washing rice can remove around 90% of the bioavailable arsenic and other chemical elements such as iron, copper, zinc, and vanadium.
Why should you be concerned about starch? Rice, especially white rice, is high in carbohydrates. Consuming too much starch can lead to weight gain, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, rinsing rice can indeed enhance its texture, making it lighter and less sticky, and diminish the starch content at the same time.
Another method that can be used to further reduce the starch content and make the rice fluffier is soaking. To cook fluffy rice, it's advised to soak it in double its volume of water before cooking. This can release larger amounts of starch. If you choose to soak the rice, it can be kept for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Lastly, not rinsing your rice can lead to the consumption of impurities that are harmful to your health. So, if you have been unsure about whether to wash your rice or not, it may be time to start doing it regularly.