Senmai (rice washing)

Senmai (rice washing) is the step in sake brewing in which polished rice is washed. Its purpose is to remove the rice bran and other impurities that cling to the surface of the polished white rice. The water used for washing also works as water absorption for the rice, so the soaking time must be determined with the water absorption rate in mind. Rice can be washed with a washing machine, by a method that uses water transport, or by hand. Washing not only cleans the surface of the rice but also prepares it for the action of enzymes that are important during fermentation. This step is extremely important and has a major influence on the quality of the sake.