Raw material processing (genryo shori)

Raw material processing (genryo shori) refers to the series of steps used to prepare the ingredients for making sake, above all the polished rice. The process begins with washing the polished rice in water to remove impurities and surface dirt. The washed rice is then soaked for a set period so that the grains absorb water, which improves the evenness of the rice once it is steamed. The rice is then steamed, and the steamed rice is cooled before moving on to the next stage of brewing. Because raw material processing has a major influence on the quality of the sake, it is a very important step.