Can the water really make such a difference to rice? The "right way to choose water" for delicious rice.
Does water change the taste of rice? The answer from the start
Does water change the taste of rice?
👉 Conclusion: Yes, it does.
Specifically,
👉 Soft water tends to bring out the sweetness of rice.
Even with the same rice, just changing the water can affect the
- fluffiness
- sweetness
- texture
of the rice.
The deliciousness of rice is determined by "rice + water"
The deliciousness of rice is determined not only by the rice itself,
👉 but also by its combination with water.
During cooking, the rice goes through the process of:
During cooking,
- absorbing water
- being heated
- starches transforming
Therefore,
👉water is "part of the cooking process."
Why water changes the taste
There are two main reasons why water changes the outcome of cooked rice.
■ Hardness (mineral content)
If water contains a lot of calcium or magnesium,
- the rice tends to be harder
- and drier
in texture.
■ Water permeability
Depending on the properties of the water,
👉 the ease with which it penetrates the rice changes.
it is said.
Differences between soft and hard water (effect on rice)
This is important👇
■ Hard water vs. Soft water
- Hard water: Grains tend to be harder and somewhat dry
- Soft water: Cooks up fluffy and soft
👉This is why soft water is suitable for Japanese rice.
Why ultra-soft water is suitable for rice
Particularly noteworthy is
👉 ultra-soft water (water with very low hardness).
is.
Features👇
- Easy to penetrate rice
- Does not hinder starch transformation
- Brings out natural sweetness
👉It is believed to result in a fluffy and soft texture.
It is considered.
How changing water actually changes things
If you actually cook rice with different waters and compare them,
👉 you may notice the following differences:
- A fluffy finish
- A soft mouthfeel
- Easier to taste the sweetness
👉Even with the same rice, your dining experience will change.
Easy comparison method you can do at home
Please try it 👇
■ Comparison Method
- Prepare the same rice
- Only change the water (soft water / hard water)
- Keep cooking conditions the same
👉You'll clearly see the difference.
What happens when you use water like Onsen-sui 99
For example,
👉 If you use water like Onsen-sui 99 (ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7)
you will easily notice differences such as:
- It cooks up fluffy
- It has a soft mouthfeel
- The sweetness of the rice is enhanced
you will easily feel the difference.
👉This is because water doesn't interfere with the taste of the ingredients but enhances it.
Just "changing the water" changes your dining table
Even with ordinary rice,
👉 changing the water alone changes the experience.
- Your daily meals become more delicious
- Family satisfaction increases
- Simple meals become richer
👉It's a very small effort, but it makes a big difference.
Summary: It's time to "choose your water"
From now on,
👉 Not just "choosing rice",
👉 but "what water to cook with"
will also be important.
Even with the same rice,
👉 The taste changes depending on the water.
That's why,
👉choosing water can transform the quality of your dining experience.
It can be said.
👉First, try cooking with different water.
Your usual rice will likely taste different.
## Related Articles: Understanding the Relationship Between Water and Taste
First,
👉 you can understand the basics in "What is water hardness? The difference between soft and hard water."
Also,
👉 "Does coffee change with water? How to choose water for delicious brewing"
👉 "Does green tea change with water? Differences in water to bring out the umami of theanine"
Furthermore,
👉 please also see "How much can water change things? Differences in coffee, tea, rice, and dashi, and how to choose the right water."
