Hinerimochi (steamed-rice texture test)

Hinerimochi is a rice-cake-like preparation made during sake brewing to check how well the rice has been steamed. A small amount of steamed rice is kneaded and flattened into a thin shape. Brewers use the hinerimochi to judge whether the steamed rice is in the right condition, and in this way they control the quality of the brewing. The condition of the rice at this stage greatly affects the flavor and aroma of the finished sake, so the test plays a very important role.