Rice is a popular grain that is eaten around the world. In fact, it’s one of the most consumed foods on earth. Americans love rice so much that we eat about one pound per person per week — that means about 150 pounds per person per year!
While most people will cook their rice first, some may wonder if they can eat raw rice.
In this article, we will find out whether you can eat raw rice or not.
Can You Eat Raw Rice?
Yes, you can eat raw rice. It’s a bit crunchy and doesn’t taste great, but it’s not going to hurt you.
Raw rice is just uncooked rice. It’s not dangerous to eat, though it’s probably not very tasty. The outer layer of the grain is actually inedible — it contains substances called phytates that interfere with digestion and absorption of other minerals from food. These substances must be broken down by cooking or fermentation before humans can digest them properly.
If you want to eat raw rice, try soaking it overnight in water and then draining it before eating it cold or reheating it. You can also freeze cooked rice and eat it frozen. If you do this often, you may want to consider buying a rice cooker so that your rice will cook properly every time without needing any attention from you at all!
Is Raw Rice Safe To Eat?
Raw rice is safe to eat, but it should be handled carefully because it can harbor bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Rice comes in two forms: white and brown. Both varieties are considered safe to eat raw as long as you’re careful not to choke on them while chewing or swallowing any pieces whole. However, there’s no real benefit to doing so because most vitamins, minerals, and fiber are lost in the cooking process anyway.
Additionally, uncooked rice can contain bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. While these microbes are usually destroyed by heat during cooking, they can survive at low temperatures if they’re present in large numbers. In fact, salmonella contamination has been linked to outbreaks of food poisoning that occurred after people ate raw or undercooked rice products.
What Does Raw Rice Taste Like?
Raw rice tastes a bit like a grain. It’s not sweet, but it’s not bitter either — just kind of bland.
If you’re used to eating white rice and you eat raw brown rice instead, the difference will be noticeable. Raw brown rice has a stronger flavor than white, so if you’re used to eating white rice every day, try swapping it out for brown every once in a while.
It’s also possible that you’ll find raw brown rice more filling than white. This is because it takes longer for your body to digest raw brown rice than it does for white rice, so it keeps you full longer.
How To Cook Rice
Rice is a staple of the Asian diet and the basis of many dishes. Steamed white rice is a healthy way to enjoy this grain and can be a great accompaniment to any meal. The preparation method for cooking rice varies depending on whether you’re using an electric cooker or stovetop. Follow these steps for how to cook rice in an electric cooker or stovetop.
How to Cook Rice in an Electric Cooker
If you have an electric cooker, follow these instructions:
1. Rinse rice in cold water until water runs clear. Drain rice thoroughly before adding it to the pot with 2 cups of water per 1 cup of dry rice; stir until combined.
2. Cover with a lid and set a timer for 20 minutes if using basmati or jasmine rice; 30 minutes for brown or long-grain white rice; 40 minutes for short-grain white rice; 50 minutes for wild rice; 60 minutes for quinoa; 70 minutes for pearl barley (or other grains). When done cooking, fluff the grains with a fork and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 6 months (thaw before reheating).
How to Cook Rice On A Stovetop
Cooking rice on the stove is simple and easy. Avoid using a nonstick pot or pan to cook rice, as the metal in the pot or pan can react with the coating on the nonstick surface and create harmful fumes.
Rice needs to be rinsed before it’s cooked in order to remove excess starch. This can be done by placing 1 part rice and 2 parts cold water in a bowl, stirring gently until all of the water becomes cloudy, then pouring off this “paddy water” into a strainer.
The amount of water needed depends on how you intend to use the rice. For example, 1 cup of dry rice will expand to about 3 cups when cooked, so if you’re preparing about 1½ cups of cooked rice for a side dish, use 2½ cups of water in your pot. If you’re making enough rice for several dishes or meals, add less water than you would for just one meal.
Place your pot on medium-high heat and add your rinsed rice; stir until all of the grains are submerged in water. Add more water if needed so that it reaches level 2 on your measuring cup (or halfway up). Bring to boil uncovered then reduce heat.
Using a spoon or spatula, press on the rice to see if it’s soft. If it’s soft, turn off the heat and let it cool.
Conclusion
You can eat raw rice, but it’s recommended that you cook them first. Cooked rice will have a soft texture which will make it taste better. Also, rice that is cooked will be less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria, which could make you sick.