Many people still do not know what the small grains on the rice scoop are used for

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### **3. An Indication of Freshness and Handling**

– **How Rice Is Handled**: When rice is scooped from a bin or bag, it may encounter friction, causing some grains to break. This is natural, and the number of small grains or broken pieces can sometimes indicate how delicately the rice has been handled during packaging and transportation.

– **Fresher Rice**: Sometimes, the presence of these smaller grains can indicate freshly milled rice. Older rice might have more broken grains due to the grain’s age and how it has been stored.

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### **4. A Bonus for Your Cooking**

Believe it or not, these tiny rice grains can be used in cooking! While they might seem like waste, they can be perfect for specific uses:

– **Rice Porridge**: Use the small grains in rice porridge or congee. The smaller grains break down more easily when cooked, creating a thicker, creamier consistency perfect for porridge.

– **Rice Flour**: You can dry and grind these broken grains into rice flour, which is an excellent ingredient for gluten-free baking or thickening sauces.

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### **What Should You Do With the Small Grains on Your Rice Scoop?**

While these small grains may seem like something to throw away, there are a few options for how to handle them:

1. **Leave them in**: The next time you scoop rice, leave the small grains with the rice. They don’t affect the flavor or texture significantly, especially after washing.

2. **Rinse and Discard**: If you prefer a cleaner presentation of your rice, simply rinse the rice under cold water before cooking. This will help wash away the small grains and the excess starch, leaving you with fluffier rice.

3. **Repurpose Them**: As mentioned earlier, broken rice grains or rice polish can be used in recipes like rice pudding, porridge, or as a base for rice flour. This is an excellent way to minimize waste.

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### **Conclusion: Understanding the Small Grains on Your Rice Scoop**

The small grains you find on your rice scoop are not just remnants of rice. They have practical uses, offer insights into the rice’s quality and freshness, and can even enhance your cooking. Whether you decide to rinse them away or repurpose them in new dishes, knowing their purpose helps you appreciate the entire rice-cooking process a little more.

So next time you grab your rice scoop, remember that those small grains are more than just an afterthought—they can be a key ingredient in making your rice dishes even better!