PREPARING YOUR RICE  


Kokuho Rose True Koda Varietal™
The best way to savour the subtle complexities of Kokuho Rose True Koda Varietal is to steam your rice in an electric Japanese rice cooker. Steam cooking encourages the development of the full aromatic bouquet, the ever so slightly sweet flavor, and the tender texture of individual kernels.

Automatic rice cookers ensure consistent cooking results by closely regulating the four main variables that determine perfectly cooked rice. They are the amount of rice to be cooked, the precise quantity of water needed to cook that rice, the steaming temperature, and the length of cooking time. The correct amounts of water and rice are easily measured with automatic rice cookers, and their steaming design retains the ideal amount of moisture while allowing excess steam to vent correctly.

Washing, rinsing, and draining of the rice in advance of cooking is traditional, though not essential. In olden times, washing and rinsing was absolutely necessary to remove bits of debris and chaff. Wetting the rice prior to cooking also enhanced the overall quality and finished result.

If you choose to wash your rice, then follow these quick and easy steps. Measure the appropriate amount of rice into the cooking container. Add water to cover the rice, and agitate the grains using your fingers. You will notice a cloudy whitish color that is simply the enrichment coating applied to all milled white rice as mandated by the FDA. Drain the rice and repeat this process 2 or 3 times. The rinse water should be mostly clear now, and the water should be drained completely. Let rice rest 10 - 15 minutes (this step may be omitted if you’re pressed for time). Now the rice is ready for the rice cooker.

All rice cookers have makers’ recommendations for the correct proportions of water to be added. Follow these guidelines. Bottled water is highly recommended since any odd odors or tastes in tap water will transfer to the rice.

When the rice cooker switches to the “off” position, do not open the lid. Unplug the appliance to cancel any further cooking or “warming” functions. Let the rice rest undisturbed for 10 - 15 minutes. This rest period will allow the cooker to vent any excess steam and moisture.

At this time, open the lid and allow any residual steam to escape. Carefully savour the initial bouquet wafting upwards. What you’ll experience in this initial fleeting moment is the culmination of years of effort to preserve the unique and sought after essence of Kokuho Rose True Koda Varietal.

Wet a “shamoji” (shah-MOH-gee), a rice paddle traditionally made of wood, to fluff and turn the steamed rice. Loosening up the rice allows it to breathe. Close the lid and leave for 5 minutes. The rice is now ready to serve.

After serving from the rice cooker, the lid should be shut to help retain the warmth and texture for the duration of the meal.

Instructions for Preparing Kokuho Rose on the Stove-top
Cooking Kokuho Rose on the stove-top yields decent results, though not as satisfactory or consistent as those achieved with an electric cooker/steamer.

Yield: approximately 3.5 cups cooked rice

Combine 1.5 cups of raw rice and 2 cups of bottled water in a medium saucepan. Ideally, you should use a heavy-bottomed, non-stick pan with a tight-fitting, glass lid if available (the better to observe, as you do not want to remove the lid during the cooking process). Let the rice stand in the water 20 - 30 minutes. Do not drain.

Place over heat and quickly bring to a boil. (The water will be bubbling around the circumference of the contents.) At this point, cover the pan with the lid, reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. (The rice will look moist, and the contents will be still be bubbling just a bit.)

At this point, remove the pan from heat, lid intact, and allow the rice to rest undisturbed for a minimum of 15 minutes. Remove the lid, and gently fluff with a fork. Replace the lid and allow rice to rest for another 5 - 10 minutes. (These rest periods are essential and aid in the development of an overall uniform texture).

Sho-Chiku-Bai® Sweet Rice
Sho-Chiku-Bai Sweet Rice may be steamed in an electric rice cooker like medium grain rice.

Rinse the raw rice well in several changes of water. Drain. Place rice in a large bowl. Add bottled water with several inches to cover. Allow rice to soak overnight in a cool area.

Drain rice and allow to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes minimum. At this time the rice is ready to be steamed in the rice cooker. Follow the makers’ recommendations for the correct proportions of water to be added. Bottled water is highly recommended since any odd odors or tastes in tap water will transfer to the rice.

Rice is ready for consumption after cooker switches to “off” position.


Return to Top

     

Our History | Purity & Quality | On the Farm | Our Products | Cooking & Recipes | FAQs | News & Contacts | Home

 

Koda Farms, Inc. P.O. Box 10, 22540 Russell Avenue, South Dos Palos California 93665 info@kodafarms.com

© 2003 Koda Farms, Inc. All rights reserved. Kokuho, Kokuho Rose, the Kokuho Rose Design, Kokuho Blue, the Kokuho Blue Design, Koda Farms and Flower Design, True Koda Varietal, Kokuho Rose True Koda Varietal, Originators of Kokuho Rose Rice Varietal, Sho-Chiku-Bai, the Sweet Rice Design, Mochiko Blue Star, Star Design, and the Diamond K Design are trademarks of the Koda family and their businesses. All other logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.