To improve taste and consistency, it is preferable to rinse the rice in plenty of water. Washing the rice helps to remove a good part of the starch that coats the grains, making the rice more digestible. This process also reduces some heavy metals such as arsenic and microplastics. The most significant advantage is for those suffering from reflux or gastritis.
- It depends! Not all types of rice need to be washed. For example, for risotto, it is recommended to use Arborio and Carnaroli rice without washing them to achieve creamy dishes. For Asian dishes, cold salads, or fried rice, it is advisable to wash Basmati rice, Thai rice, red rice, and black rice. This is a useful practice for those who need to limit starches in their diet, such as diabetics.
An effective method is steaming, which preserves the rice fibers and slows down its absorption. Prolonged cooking can reduce the glycemic index by up to 50%.
Rice starch is useful for redness and skin inflammations, making them soft. It is used in cooking to thicken sauces and creams and in cosmetic preparations. Thanks to its absorbing action, it is suitable for oily skin and hair, mattifies surfaces, and improves skin tone uniformity. It also serves as a deodorant and for treating sweating.