The Benefits and Appeal of Rice Flour - The Secret to Health and Deliciousness

　　

What is rice flour?

Rice flour ingredients and manufacturing method

Rice flour refers to flour made from rice . The main types of rice used are non-glutinous rice and glutinous rice. To make rice flour, the rice is first crushed into small pieces in a grinder. It is then sieved to adjust the particle size, resulting in a uniform powder. During the manufacturing process, the particle size and texture of the flour vary depending on the type of rice and the grinding method, so different manufacturing methods are used depending on the intended use. Additionally, rice flour has a tendency to absorb moisture easily, so care must be taken when storing it.

History and development of rice flour

A flour-based food culture using rice as a main ingredient has been deeply rooted in Japan since ancient times. It is said that dishes using rice flour already existed in the Heian period. In the Edo period, Japanese sweets using rice flour developed , and sweets such as shiratama dango and uriwara, which are still popular today, were born. However, from the Meiji period onwards, with the spread of wheat flour, the demand for rice flour gradually decreased.

In recent years, rice flour has once again come into the spotlight due to the growing demand for gluten-free foods and efforts to increase consumption of domestically produced rice. Advances in flour milling technology have led to rice flour being used in Western-style sweets such as bread and cakes, greatly expanding the possibilities of rice flour.

Types and characteristics of rice flour

There are several types of rice flour, depending on the ingredients and manufacturing method. Below we will introduce the most common types of rice flour and their characteristics.

[ Types and characteristics of rice flour

kinds	raw material	Features
Joshinko	Non-glutinous rice	It has a coarse grain and a rich flavor. It is often used in Japanese sweets.
Shiratamako (rice flour)	glutinous rice	It has a strong stickiness and smooth texture. Perfect for making shiratama dumplings.
Domyoji powder	glutinous rice	Steamed and then ground into a fine powder. Perfect for sakura mochi and other dishes.
Rice flour for bread	Non-glutinous rice	The particles are fine and suitable for baking bread and cakes.

These rice flours are used in a variety of ways, taking advantage of their respective characteristics, including Japanese and Western sweets, and cooking. Recently, with the increasing demand for gluten-free foods, the use of rice flour as a substitute for wheat flour has been expanding. Furthermore, the development of even newer rice flours is progressing by tinkering with the type of rice used, the blending ratio, and milling methods.

The nutritional value and health benefits of rice flour

Vitamins and minerals contained in rice flour

Rice flour is a highly nutritious food that is rich in vitamins and minerals . It is particularly rich in B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, and folic acid. These vitamins play an important role in maintaining energy metabolism and nerve function. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are effective in maintaining bone health and preventing anemia . The vitamins and minerals contained in rice flour vary depending on the degree of refinement, but brown rice flour allows you to consume more nutrients.

Protein and essential amino acids in rice flour

Rice flour contains high-quality protein. Rice protein is known as a complete protein, containing a balanced amount of essential amino acids . Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained through food. The essential amino acids contained in rice flour are essential nutrients for maintaining muscles and organs and for growth during adolescence. Rice protein is also characterized by its high digestibility. Compared to gluten, a wheat protein, rice protein is easier to digest and is said to have a lower risk of causing allergies.

Rice flour dietary fiber and GI value

Rice flour also contains dietary fiber, which is expected to have the effect of regulating the intestinal environment and improving bowel movements . Brown rice flour, in particular, contains more dietary fiber than polished rice flour. Rice flour is also known as a food with a low GI (glycemic index). The GI value is an index that indicates the degree to which a food will raise blood sugar levels, and the lower the number, the more gradual the rise in blood sugar levels. Because rice flour has a lower GI value than wheat flour , it is also suitable for people with diabetes and those on a diet.

Health benefits of gluten-free diet

Measures for wheat allergies and gluten intolerance

Because rice flour does not contain gluten, a wheat protein, it has been gaining attention as a leading ingredient in gluten-free foods. People with wheat allergies or gluten intolerances must avoid foods made with wheat flour, but by using rice flour they can enjoy a variety of foods, including bread, cakes, and noodles. Products made with rice flour are becoming widely accepted on the market as allergy-friendly foods.

Improves intestinal environment and detox effect

Gluten is known as a protein that is difficult to digest. Excessive gluten intake can disrupt the intestinal environment and cause digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating. On the other hand, rice flour is gluten-free and is thought to place less strain on the intestinal environment . In addition, the dietary fiber contained in rice flour absorbs waste products in the intestines and excretes them from the body. This is known as a detox effect and is expected to remove toxins from the body. By incorporating rice flour into your diet, you can expect to improve your intestinal environment and have a detox effect, which will help you build a healthy body.

The difference between rice flour and wheat flour

Nutritional value comparison

Rice flour and wheat flour are both made from grains, but they differ in nutritional value. Rice flour is rich in B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. In particular, it contains about twice the amount of vitamin B1 as wheat flour. Rice flour also contains high-quality protein with a balanced amount of essential amino acids. On the other hand, wheat flour is characterized by its higher protein and iron content compared to rice flour. Wheat flour contains a special protein called gluten, which gives bread and pasta its chewy texture. However, gluten can cause allergies in some people.

The difference between absorbency and viscosity

Rice flour and wheat flour differ in their water absorption and stickiness when water is added. Rice flour has higher water absorption than wheat flour, and is characterized by the fact that it is easy to form dough with a small amount of water . For this reason, when making sweets using rice flour, you can use less water than when using wheat flour.

Another feature of rice flour is that it becomes sticky when heated. This stickiness creates a chewy texture, making it suitable for Japanese sweets. On the other hand, wheat flour has lower water absorption and is less sticky than rice flour. Instead, it has elasticity due to gluten, making it suitable for dishes that require a chewy texture, such as bread, pasta, and pizza dough.

The effect of gluten

The main difference between rice flour and wheat flour is the presence or absence of gluten. Wheat flour contains a protein called gluten, but rice flour does not. Gluten gives dough its elasticity and stickiness, but it can cause allergies and intolerances in some people. For this reason, there is a growing demand for gluten-free foods, and rice flour is attracting attention as a prime example of this ingredient.

By using rice flour, people with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance can enjoy bread, cakes, noodles, and other foods with a texture similar to that of wheat flour. However, because rice flour does not contain gluten, it is difficult to achieve the same rise and elasticity as bread using rice flour alone . For this reason, when making rice flour bread, it is necessary to use some ingenuity, such as adding ingredients that can replace gluten.

Differences in suitability for cooking

Rice flour and wheat flour differ in their suitability for cooking. Rice flour is known for its compatibility with Japanese sweets and other Japanese cuisine. Rice flour is used to make products such as shiratama dango, daifuku, and kusamochi, which are known for their chewy texture. Rice flour is also sometimes used in tempura batter, which gives it a crispy texture.

On the other hand, wheat flour goes well with Western food such as bread, pasta, and pizza dough. Dishes made with wheat flour have characteristics that rice flour does not have, such as a chewy texture due to gluten and a risen bread dough. Wheat flour is also used in many Western sweets such as roux, white sauce, cookies, and cakes. In this way, rice flour and wheat flour are suited to dishes that make the most of their respective characteristics. It is important to use rice flour and wheat flour appropriately depending on the type and purpose of the dish.

Benefits of using rice flour

Simple and easy to use

Rice flour has the great advantage of being easier to handle than wheat flour. First of all, rice flour has finer particles than wheat flour, so it is less likely to clump and the dough is easier to make . This means that even beginners can try cooking with rice flour without making any mistakes. Also, rice flour is more absorbent than wheat flour, so less water is needed when mixing the dough. This makes it easy to make dough and allows you to enjoy cooking without any hassle. Furthermore, rice flour is more viscous than wheat flour, so the dough comes together more easily and is easier to shape . This makes it suitable for dishes that require shaping, such as dumplings and cookies.

Low calorie and healthy

Rice flour is lower in calories than wheat flour, making it a great choice for people on a diet. The calorie content per 100g of rice flour is approximately 356kcal, about half that of wheat flour. Rice flour is also low in fat and rich in dietary fiber. For this reason, dishes made with rice flour are likely to make you feel full and may also help improve bowel movements. Furthermore, rice flour does not contain gluten, so it can be safely consumed by people with wheat allergies or gluten intolerances. Demand for gluten-free foods has been increasing in recent years, and rice flour is gaining attention as a prime ingredient. Using rice flour allows you to enjoy a healthier diet while still enjoying the same texture as wheat flour dishes.

Makes fried foods crispy

When rice flour is used in batter for deep-fried foods, it gives the food a crispy texture. This is because rice flour absorbs less oil than wheat flour. Tempura made with rice flour is characterized by its crispy batter and less oily taste . Fried chicken made with rice flour is also crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

For this reason, rice flour is recommended for those who want to enjoy healthy fried foods. Furthermore, using rice flour allows you to make gluten-free fried foods, so even those with wheat allergies or gluten intolerances can enjoy fried foods without worry.

Perfect with Japanese food

Rice flour is an excellent match for Japanese cuisine. It is an essential ingredient for making traditional snacks such as dumplings, mochi, and Japanese sweets. Using rice flour, you can make chewy mochi rice cakes and smooth shiratama dango rice balls. Dishes made with rice flour also enhance the delicate flavors unique to Japanese cuisine.

For example, tempura made with rice flour allows you to enjoy the flavor of the ingredients without overpowering them. Furthermore, okonomiyaki and takoyaki made with rice flour are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. In this way, rice flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Japanese dishes. If you enjoy Japanese cuisine, why not try using rice flour? You can enjoy dishes that take advantage of the chewy texture and healthy characteristics that are unique to rice flour.

Rice flour cooking ideas

Bread and pizza dough

Using rice flour, you can make gluten-free bread and pizza dough. Rice flour bread has a chewy texture, unlike wheat flour bread. Pizza dough made with rice flour also has a crispy texture.

Why not try making your own original pizza by combining your favorite toppings? When making rice flour bread or pizza dough, the key is to find the right mix and kneading method for rice flour . Rice flour has higher water absorption than wheat flour, so you'll need to adjust the amount of water accordingly. Also, because it doesn't contain gluten , you'll need to add baking powder or eggs to make it rise . Use these recipes as a reference and try making rice flour bread or pizza dough.

Pasta and udon

Using rice flour, you can make gluten-free pasta and udon. Rice flour pasta has a chewy texture, unlike wheat flour pasta. Udon noodles made with rice flour also have a smooth texture.

Rice flour pasta and udon noodles are characterized by their shorter boiling time compared to wheat flour varieties. If they are boiled for too long, they will become too soft, so it is recommended to set the boiling time to a shorter period . Rice flour pasta and udon noodles also go extremely well with Japanese-style dashi. For the dipping sauce, try using a soy sauce-based dipping sauce or sesame sauce to make them even more delicious.

Okonomiyaki and takoyaki

You can make gluten-free okonomiyaki and takoyaki using rice flour. Okonomiyaki made with rice flour has a crispy outside and fluffy inside. Takoyaki made with rice flour is also characterized by a crispy outside and soft inside. When making okonomiyaki or takoyaki using rice flour, the batter composition is key .

If you simply substitute rice flour in a recipe that uses wheat flour, the result may not turn out well. It is important to make the batter with the right mix of ingredients for rice flour. Also, try combining your favorite ingredients to create your own original okonomiyaki or takoyaki.

Cakes and cookies

You can make gluten-free cakes and cookies using rice flour. Cakes made with rice flour are characterized by their moist texture . On the other hand, cookies made with rice flour have a crispy texture. When making cakes or cookies using rice flour, the key is to use a mixture and kneading method that is suitable for rice flour .

If you simply substitute rice flour for wheat flour in a recipe, the result may not turn out well. It is important to make the dough with the right mix for rice flour. Also, cakes and cookies made with rice flour can be made without butter or eggs. We recommend trying different variations, such as using salad oil instead of butter or soy milk instead of eggs.

Soy milk pudding recipe

Here's a recipe for soy milk pudding made with rice flour.

[Materials (for 4 people)]
- 300ml soy milk
- 40g rice flour
- 50g beet sugar
- A few drops of vanilla oil

【How to make】
1. Put soy milk, rice flour, and sugar beet into a pot and mix well with a whisk.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
3. Turn off the heat and add the vanilla oil and mix.
4. Pour into a container and chill in the refrigerator until solidified.

Soy milk pudding made with rice flour has a smooth texture . The gentle sweetness of soy milk and the rich flavor of rice flour combine to create an addictively delicious taste.

Spicy Vegetable Curry Recipe

Here's a recipe for spicy vegetable curry made with rice flour.

[Materials (for 4 people)]
- Rice flour 50g
- 500ml water
- 1 carrot
- 2 potatoes
- 1 onion
- 200ml coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt

【How to make】
1. Cut the carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces.
2. Put the vegetables and water in a pot and simmer until soft.
3. Add the rice flour and mix well to thicken.
4. Add coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric and salt, mix and season to taste.
5. Place in a serving dish and sprinkle with coriander to taste.

This spicy vegetable curry made with rice flour is characterized by its thick sauce . The richness of the rice flour and the aroma of the spices combine to create a deep flavor. The sweetness of the vegetables and the flavor of the coconut milk also add to the dish, making it a healthy yet satisfying curry .

How to Choose and Store Rice Flour

Selecting the right type of rice flour for your needs

When choosing rice flour, it is important to select the appropriate type for the intended use. There are various types of rice flour, such as joshinko, shiratamako, and domyojiko, each with its own unique characteristics. When making Japanese sweets, joshinko and shiratamako are recommended. Joshinko is a coarse-grained rice flour made from non-glutinous rice, resulting in a richly flavored finished product.

Shiratamako is a sticky rice flour made from glutinous rice, and is suitable for making Japanese sweets with a chewy texture. On the other hand, when making Western sweets such as bread and cakes, it is recommended to choose rice flour with finer grains. The finer the grains, the closer the properties to wheat flour, making it suitable for making gluten-free Western sweets. Also, when using it in cooking, joshinko, which has less stickiness, is recommended. This rice flour is suitable for use in tempura batters and thickening sauces.

How to distinguish high-quality rice flour

To choose high-quality rice flour, pay attention to the following points:

[Characteristics of high-quality rice flour]
- White in color and fine in texture
- Free from foreign objects and insect damage
- No smell
- Not damp

Color and particle size are particularly important points in determining the quality of rice flour . The whiter the color and the finer the particles, the higher the chance of it being high quality rice flour. Also, rice flour absorbs moisture easily, so make sure it is not damp. Moist rice flour may have deteriorated in quality. When purchasing, it is recommended to choose rice flour with a recent manufacturing date.

Proper management of storage containers and storage locations

Rice flour is a food ingredient that is sensitive to moisture. Therefore, careful care must be taken when managing storage containers and storage locations. It is recommended to store rice flour in a tightly sealed container . Choose a container with a tightly closed lid, such as a glass jar or plastic storage container. It is also best to store it in a cool, dark place, avoiding high temperatures and humidity. Avoid places exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity. If storing in the refrigerator, make sure to seal the container tightly to prevent the rice flour from absorbing moisture.

Shelf life and flavor retention after opening

Rice flour has a short shelf life after opening. Generally, it is recommended to use it within one month after opening. Once opened, the flavor of rice flour deteriorates quickly, so it is best to use it as soon as possible . Also, once opened, store it in a tightly sealed container. Rice flour is an ingredient that oxidizes easily, so it is important to minimize the time it is exposed to air.

To preserve the flavor of rice flour for a long time, it is recommended to store it in small portions, just the amount you will use . If you take out only the amount you will use and store the rest in an airtight container, you will be able to enjoy the flavor for a long time. Rice flour is a delicate ingredient whose quality is greatly affected by how it is stored. Store it properly and enjoy delicious rice flour dishes.

Rice flour and Japanese agriculture

Contributing to expanding consumption of domestically produced rice

Rice flour is a food ingredient with great potential for Japanese agriculture. In recent years, rice consumption in Japan has been declining year by year. On the other hand, rice production is somewhat over-produced, which has led to an increase in rice inventory and depressed prices. In this situation, rice flour is attracting attention as a new source of demand for domestically produced rice.

The development and spread of products using rice flour is expected to lead to increased consumption of domestically produced rice . A variety of products using rice flour, such as bread, cakes, and noodles, have been developed, expanding consumer choices. In addition, activities to promote rice flour, such as holding cooking classes and events using rice flour, are being carried out all over the country. These efforts contribute to expanding demand for domestically produced rice and contributing to the development of agriculture in Japan.

Improving food self-sufficiency and revitalizing agriculture

Japan's food self-sufficiency rate is particularly low among developed countries. In fiscal 2019, the rate was 38%, meaning that the country currently relies on imports for approximately 60% of its food . In this context, the spread of rice flour is expected to contribute to improving the country's food self-sufficiency rate. Because rice flour is made from domestically produced rice, increasing rice flour consumption will lead to an expansion of domestic agricultural production.

The spread of rice flour also contributes to the revitalization of agriculture. Expanding demand for rice flour will lead to increased profits for rice farmers and the creation of new jobs, revitalizing the local economy. Furthermore, the development of products using rice flour will contribute to the revitalization of the food industry. The development of new products using rice flour will strengthen the competitiveness of food manufacturers and create new business opportunities.

Local production and consumption and reducing food miles

Rice flour also contributes to local production and consumption and the reduction of food miles. Local production and consumption is the idea of ​​consuming ingredients produced locally in the local area. Because rice flour is made from domestically produced rice, it can be said to be an excellent ingredient from the perspective of local production and consumption . By processing locally produced rice into rice flour and consuming it locally, the distance that food has to be transported can be shortened.

This leads to a reduction in food miles. Food miles are an indicator of the distance food is transported. The longer the transport distance, the greater the CO2 emissions associated with transportation, and the greater the environmental impact. The spread of rice flour will contribute to a reduction in food miles and also to a reduction in the environmental impact. Furthermore, producing and consuming rice flour locally will contribute to the circulation of the local economy.

The spread of rice flour is expected to contribute to society in many ways, not only in the development of Japanese agriculture, but also in reducing environmental impact and revitalizing local economies. It is important to utilize the potential of rice flour to help develop Japanese agriculture, improve food self-sufficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

Introducing Komeko's Palette's gluten-free menu

Gluten-free rice flour bread

Komeko's Palette offers bread made with 100% rice flour, which does not contain any wheat . It has the chewy texture unique to rice flour and a gentle sweetness not found in wheat bread. This product is recommended not only for those who want to avoid gluten, but also for health-conscious people . We are also committed to being completely additive-free, and are mindful of safety and security. People with wheat allergies or those who require a gluten-free diet can also enjoy our delicious bread .

Gluten-free rice flour bagels

Gluten-free bagels made with rice flour are also a popular item. They have a unique chewy texture and a wide variety of flavors, from plain to fruit. They are also delicious as bagel sandwiches, providing a satisfying and satisfying meal . Palette's bagels are made with beet sugar instead of refined sugar, resulting in a refined sweetness. Be sure to try these new and innovative bagels , which are both healthy and delicious .

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Komeko's Palette also sells gluten-free gyoza. The dough, made with rice flour, has a chewier texture than gyoza skins made with wheat flour. The skin has a gentle flavor that brings out the umami of the filling. Gluten-free gyoza are hard to find commercially. With Palette's rice flour gyoza skins, you can enjoy gyoza without worrying about gluten . They're also the perfect product for making homemade gyoza at home.

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Palette's gluten-free dumplings, made with rice flour, are also popular. They have a chewy texture and gentle sweetness that only rice flour can provide.

This is a recommended item for those who want to enjoy a healthy snack time.It can also be safely enjoyed by those with wheat allergies or those avoiding gluten.

summary

Rice flour is a healthy, gluten-free ingredient that is gaining attention as a substitute for wheat flour. There are various types of rice flour, such as joshinko, shiratamako, and domyojiko, depending on the type of rice used and the manufacturing method. Compared to wheat flour, rice flour is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber , and is a low-calorie, healthy ingredient.

Furthermore, because it is gluten-free, it can be safely consumed by those with wheat allergies or gluten intolerances. It is highly suitable for cooking and is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a wheat flour substitute in a wide range of dishes, including bread, cakes, and noodles. It is particularly essential for making Japanese sweets, such as shiratama dango and daifuku, which are characterized by their chewy texture. Rice flour also plays an important role in Japan's agriculture. It is expected to contribute to the development of Japanese agriculture, including increasing consumption of domestically produced rice, improving food self-sufficiency, and revitalizing agriculture.

It also contributes to local production and consumption and the reduction of food miles, which leads to a reduction in the environmental impact. The spread of rice flour is not only a development of Japanese food culture, but also an initiative that coincides with growing health consciousness and interest in environmental issues . Taking advantage of the benefits of rice flour, it is expected to become even more popular in the future as an ingredient that not only allows people to enjoy delicious and healthy dishes, but also contributes to Japan's agriculture and environmental issues.

By learning about the appeal of rice flour and using it effectively, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling diet . We encourage you to try cooking with rice flour. You will surely be captivated by the appeal of rice flour and become addicted to rice flour cooking. Pursuing the possibilities of rice flour and communicating the appeal of rice flour to more people will surely lead to the widespread use of rice flour in the future.