Conflicting advice on cooking rice

Asked on 13 Nov 2017 by Jacqueline Boyes

There is much conflicting advice about the cooking of rice. I have used Delia's 'perfect rice' method for years but have recently been told that one must wash the rice thoroughly in cold water before cooking, always boil in lots of water and then rinse in boiling water. Apparently this removes toxins from the rice. I have looked online and found that this appears to be what is now said. Can you clarify please as i much prefer the Perfect Rice method but am now unsure if it is perceived in current thought to be unsafe.

Lindsey, Food Editor replied

Hello,

I do not believe there are any health benefits to washing and cooking rice in the way you describe. Washing is usually to remove the starch and reduce stickiness.

Rice can contain spores, which can cause food poisoning but washing does not remove the spores and they can survive during cooking.

It’s leaving cooked rice hanging around at room temperature that can cause these spores to grow into bacteria and cause food poisoning.

So as far as we are aware Delia’s method of cooking the exact amount for rice you need and serving is straight away is safe.

Kind regards

Lindsey