Endosperm

Endosperm is an important part inside the rice grain. It consists mainly of starch and makes up most of the rice's nutritional content. The endosperm supplies the nutrients needed for germination, and it is also an essential material in sake brewing. Rice endosperm is divided into the outer endosperm (fusuma, or bran) and the inner endosperm (the starch portion). The outer endosperm is processed together with the fruit coat (pericarp) and seed coat and is removed in sake brewing, whereas the inner endosperm is a key component used in the brewing process.