Is it necessary to thoroughly wash rice before cooking?

Many people believe that rinsing rice too thoroughly can result in the loss of nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, iron, and zinc, all of which are beneficial to the body. If rice is not washed, it may contain dirt that is stuck to the grains. However, rice contains important nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is advisable not to wash or rub the rice too hard in order to maintain these essential nutrients.

Although washing rice may remove some nutrients, it helps to eliminate microplastic particles that may be present in the rice due to the transportation, packaging, and storage processes. Washing rice also helps to get rid of dirt, sand particles, gravel particles, and any other impurities mixed in with the rice. Additionally, washing rice can help to remove inorganic arsenic, which is naturally present in small amounts in rice.

The nutritional value of rice is influenced by various factors such as the rice variety, soil conditions, climate, and cultivation practices, not just by the way it is washed. Therefore, it is important to wash rice gently without kneading it too much or soaking it for too long before cooking. It is recommended to wash the rice, stir gently, and decant the water to remove any pests and grit. It is also important to remove any debris or grit present in the rice before cooking and to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent dirt from sticking to the rice during the washing process.