Water absorption rate of soaked rice (Shinseki-mai kyusuiritsu)

Water absorption rate of soaked rice (shinseki-mai kyusuiritsu) is an index showing how much water polished rice absorbs when it is soaked (immersed in water) during the sake-making process. It expresses, as a percentage, how much the weight of the rice has increased as a result of absorbing water. The formula is: water absorption rate (%) = ((weight after soaking - weight of polished rice) / weight of polished rice) × 100. The absorption rate is a very important factor in sake brewing. Because the state of water absorption in the rice affects the flavor, aroma, and final character of the sake, it is used as an index for improving the precision of brewing.