You might think that everyone knows how to cook rice – what could be difficult about it? However, even renowned and experienced chefs make serious mistakes in the rice cooking process. Many people are unaware that rice contains arsenic. And when rice is cooked improperly, the arsenic remains in the grains.
Arsenic is not naturally present in rice; it enters during the cultivation and storage process, along with fertilizers, pesticides, and other substances. Being an excellent absorbent, rice absorbs everything from the soil and its surroundings. Similarly, it cleanses our bodies by absorbing toxins.
It’s worth noting that containers used for storing and transporting grains are treated with arsenic, as otherwise, the rice would be spoiled and consumed by rodents. Therefore, before cooking rice, it needs to be thoroughly washed under running water until the water runs clear.
Are there any regulations regarding the level of this toxin in the product? Arsenic causes significant harm to the body and, when accumulated, can lead to diseases related to the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, kidneys, and even diabetes and cancer. That’s why it’s essential to remove any traces of arsenic from rice by following the proper cooking technique.
Cooking Steps:
Eastern cultures, which have been cultivating rice on their plantations for centuries, know that rinsing the grains at least seven times is a must! This ensures complete cleansing of each grain. However, if you have enough time, a more reliable method is to soak the rice in a large volume of water overnight. The rice will release the arsenic into the water, cleansing itself of the toxin.
Among other benefits, these precautionary measures lead to shorter rice cooking times. Rice that hasn’t been soaked beforehand takes quite a while to cook, while rice that has soaked overnight takes about a quarter less time, if not a few minutes faster. Additionally, water-soaked rice doesn’t stick together, resulting in a very fluffy texture.
To cook rice properly and ensure there’s no arsenic left, follow these essential steps:
- The water volume should be five times greater than the rice volume.
- Soaking the rice overnight is mandatory.
- After soaking, rinse the rice several times until the water runs completely clear.
- Gently pat the rice with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- For cooking, use one and a half times more water than the amount of rice.
- Add a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
- Once the water with rice starts boiling, cover the pot with a lid and let it cook on low heat until done.
- Avoid lifting the lid before it’s fully cooked as it can spoil the rice. Cooking rice for 13-15 minutes on low heat is ideal.
By following these rules, you’ll achieve perfectly fluffy and incredibly delicious rice.
Now you can cook rice like a professional chef and ensure its safety for a delightful meal.
