Buzz
There's a debate: should you cook rice with boiling water, or should you opt for cold water instead?
1. Should rice be cooked in boiling water or cold water to retain its nutrients?
Should rice be cooked with boiling water or cold water to retain its nutrients?
Expert advice
Responding to the media, Associate Professor - Dr. Nguyen Van Hoan (formerly the Director of the Rice Research Institute at Hanoi University of Agriculture) provided advice for housewives.
Dr. Hoan believes that Vietnamese housewives should cook rice with boiling water instead of cold water, whether using any type of rice cooker or cooking on a gas or wood stove.
He explained the reasons why everyone should cook rice with boiling water:
Firstly, boiling water helps rice grains cook faster, reducing cooking time, and ensures even and tender rice grains, resulting in tastier rice for your family.
On the other hand, cooking rice with cold water causes the rice grains to swell, and nutrients dissolve into the water.
If you cook rice with hot water, the outer layer of the rice grain will quickly contract and form a protective membrane to prevent cracking, thereby retaining the nutrients.
Secondly, if you're using an electric rice cooker, simply put the rice in first, then pour in boiling water, cover, plug in, and press the button. If you're cooking with a gas stove, electric stove, or wood stove, boil the water first before gradually adding the rice, cover, reduce heat, and wait for the rice to cook.
Housewives should remember to cook rice with boiling water and cover it to retain heat and prevent exposure to air, thereby preserving over 30% more vitamin B1 compared to cooking with cold water.
