why should you rinse rice

Rinsing rice before cooking is recommended to remove debris, dirt, and any bugs that may be present. It also washes away the excess surface starch on the rice grains, which is created by friction during processing and packaging. Removing this starch helps achieve a fluffier texture with separate grains rather than a sticky or gummy consistency, which is especially important for certain dishes like pilafs, biryanis, or any recipe requiring distinct grains. However, rinsing rice is not always necessary; some dishes, like risotto or paella, benefit from the starch as it helps create a creamy texture. Additionally, rinsing rice can slightly reduce trace amounts of arsenic found in rice grown in soil, although the effect is minimal. It's best to rinse under running water until the water runs clear to avoid washing away too many nutrients.