Soaking rice before cooking is a common practice that many people follow out of tradition or on the advice of their grandmothers. But what actually happens to rice when it spends the night in water?
You shouldn't think only about the advantages, because there are also disadvantages that many people don't take into account.
Expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" Yulia Arkhipova , a cook and fourth-class baker, told how to cook rice.
Softening of grains
Soaking rice in water before cooking helps soften the grains.
As a result, the rice becomes more tender and tasty.
This is especially useful when using older or harder varieties.
Speeding up cooking
Soaking rice can also speed up the cooking process. Soft grains will cook faster, saving time in the kitchen and getting your meal ready faster.
Improving nutrient absorption
Some experts claim that soaking rice can help improve nutrient absorption.
This is due to the process of pre-breaking down some substances, such as phytic acid, which can make the nutrients more available to the body.
Loss of nutrients
However, it should be noted that soaking rice can also cause the loss of some nutrients, such as B vitamins and minerals. This is due to the rice being soaked in water, where some of the nutrients can dissolve.
Risk of bacterial growth
Another disadvantage of soaking rice is the possibility of bacteria growing in the water.
Leaving rice at room temperature overnight can lead to bacterial growth and potential contamination.
Of course, if you subsequently carry out full heat treatment, there will be no danger to the body.
Previously, we talked about which foods should not be heated in the microwave.
Expert: Julia Arkhipova
