Rinsing rice before cooking it is a common practice, but whether or not it is always necessary depends on the type of rice and personal preference.
One reason to rinse rice is to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. This is especially important for rice that has been harvested and packaged by hand, as it may have more impurities than commercially packaged rice.
Another reason to rinse rice is to remove excess starch. Rice, especially white rice, can become sticky when cooked if too much starch is present. Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear can help to reduce the amount of starch and make for a fluffier final product.
However, some types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, are traditionally not rinsed before cooking as rinsing can wash away some of the flavor and aroma. In addition, some experts argue that the small amount of starch that remains on the rice after rinsing can actually improve the texture and taste of the finished dish.
Ultimately, whether or not to rinse rice before cooking is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a fluffier, less sticky rice, rinsing before cooking is a good idea. But if you want to retain as much flavor and aroma as possible, it may be best to skip the rinsing step.
