Pursuing the Appeal of Japanese Rice

Key points for a more delicious and nuanced taste

Rice is eaten daily as a staple food in countries all over Asia, and japonica rice is the predominant variety at dining tables in Japan. Thanks to the distinctive stickiness and sweetness of japonica rice, in recent years, exports to various countries have been increasing. Here, we will introduce you to everything from the characteristics of japonica rice and the secret to enjoying its taste to the fun of choosing a brand, all from a variety of viewpoints.

1.Differences between japonica rice and indica rice

Whereas indica rice from southeast Asia is long-grained with a light, non-glutinous texture, japonica rice is rounder and short-grained. When cooked, it is characterised by its stickiness, lustre, and soft texture.
Japonica rice also maintains its flavour for a long time, even after it cools down. This has led to the development in Japan of rice dishes that are eaten cold, such as sushi and onigiri rice balls.

Japonica

Indica

2.The secret to enjoying the taste of Japanese rice

Rice appears easy to cook, but it can be made even more delicious through appropriate cooking and storage. The following four key points will enable you to fully enjoy the sweetness and soft texture of Japanese rice.

Cook

Vary the amount of water and heat according to type of rice

The amount of water and heat are the most important factors that affect the texture and flavour of rice. Each type of rice is different, so it should be cooked with the appropriate amount of water and heat.

Click here for an Induction Heater (IH) rice cooker
to cook delicious rice easily

Purify

Wash with the optimal water

Rice that has been packaged and stored as uncooked rice absorbs the water it touches first the most. Therefore, when washing rice, it is essential to use the highest quality water that is free of impurities and odours.

Soak fully

The trick to a plump grain is to let the water soak into the core of the rice. Slowly soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Click here for an ultra filtration alkaline ionizer to make
high purity water that extracts the flavour of rice

Preserve

Keep rice fresh

To keep rice fresh, it is important to prevent it drying out. Put rice in a sealed container and store it at low temperature.

Click here for a refrigerator to prevent rice from
drying out and preserve its freshness

Combination

How to choose side dishes for rice

In terms of the balance of flavours, rice goes well with strong, sour, and spicy flavours. Since rice is mainly carbohydrates, it should be accompanied by dishes that provide protein and minerals such as meat and soybeans.

Click here for a combination microwave oven to
easily make side dishes that go well with rice

3.Find your favourite from the rich variety of more than 3,800 rice brands

Due to Japan’s climate with four seasons, its terrain stretching from the north to the south, and the tireless efforts of the producers, Japanese rice boasts a rich variety of flavours that can not be found elsewhere.
We invite you to choose the right type of rice to match your meal.