Kikakugaimai (non-standard rice)

Kikakugaimai (non-standard rice) refers to paddy-grown non-glutinous brown rice whose quality or appearance does not meet the standards for sake brewing. Specifically, it is rice that falls outside general inspection standards because it has a high moisture content or is mixed with damaged kernels, dead kernels, or discolored kernels. However, even non-standard rice is considered usable to a certain extent as long as it does not contain 50% or more of other grains or foreign matter. This type of rice is rarely used directly to make sake, but it may be used in other stages of the brewing process or for other purposes.