While there are a few “ancient grain” varieties of rice that aren’t “the worst,” we’re of the belief that this kind of product shouldn’t really be consumed ever. Unless preventing utter starvation was the objective.

And while rice is probably one of the most eaten foods worldwide, we certainly have better choices here in this country. (Meat anyone?)

But there are ways to rid common rice of most of the “toxicity.” Read below for more.

Best Way To Remove Up To 82% Of Arsenic From Rice

Via MSB

I will give you the answer right away. Read on for other methods to remove arsenic from rice. Yes, rice contains varying amounts of arsenic!

Of course, not all rice contains high arsenic levels. But determining the arsenic content of a particular rice product may be difficult (or impossible) without actually measuring it in a lab. Better safe than sorry…

How to Prepare & Cook Rice to Remove the Most Arsenic

  1. Soak your rice overnight – this opens up the grain and allows the arsenic to escape
  2. Drain the rice and rinse thoroughly with fresh water
  3. For every part rice add five parts water and cook until the rice is tender – do not allow it to boil dry.
  4. Drain the rice and rinse again with hot water to get rid of the last of the cooking water.

Those instructions are sourced from a report via bbc.co.uk in association with Professor Andrew Meharg(Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Member of the Royal Irish Academy).

Similar advice is recommended from other trusted sources listed below.

Significantly higher geometric means of creatinine-corrected urinary concentrations of total arsenic (TAs) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) were found in participants who consumed rice more than twice per week, compared to the reference group.

Rice consumption and urinary concentrations of arsenic in US adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24236891

Should I be concerned about arsenic in Rice?

Yes, particularly if you consume rice more than two times a week. For some cultures, rice is a staple in their diets and arsenic is a major concern.

Being a preparedness site, I know that many people store white rice for the long term. It’s easy to store rice and it contains significant calories for those who prepare for food disruptions. Rice is a great combination with beans (nutritionally).

Rice & Beans | A Survival Combination

With that said, I felt it important to suggest adjustments to preparation and cooking of rice for those who may eat it fairly often.

Ratio of Water & Rice for Cooking to Help Remove Arsenic

During the cooking process, much of the arsenic leaves the rice and enters the cooking water.

If you cook your rice to dryness or use a rice cooker, the arsenic is absorbed back into the rice.

However, if you use more water, so that it is not all reabsorbed, much of the arsenic remains in the liquid instead (which can be discarded).

5 Parts Water | 1 Part Rice

Prof. Meharg’s testing found that when using 5 times as much water as rice when cooking, only 43% of the arsenic remained in the rice.

Combined with Rice Soak Overnight

When this method is combined with soaking the rice overnight before cooking, only 18% of the arsenic remained in the rice.

Remove Arsenic from Rice

Rice With The Least Arsenic

“Until this all gets sorted out, consumers shouldn’t be overly concerned,” says John Duxbury, a soil chemist at Cornell University.

Nevertheless, rice fanciers might note that both Duxbury and Meharg found basmati rice imported from India and Pakistan and jasmine rice from Thailand to contain the least arsenic.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1892142/

Royal Basmati Rice

“Truly authentic Basmati can come only from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. The long-grain rice of Royal is grown under the careful attention of India’s most expert farmers. After harvesting it is aged for a minimum of twelve months in temperature-controlled silos, bringing out the full flavor of the grain. It also results in a non-sticky texture.”

quote from manufacturer
(Check it on amz)

Dynasty Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice imported from Thailand is one of the varieties with the least amount of arsenic.

(Check it on amz)

Take Home Message

Arsenic in rice may be a serious concern for those who consume it regularly.

These people may be at risk of developing arsenic-related health problems.

Though if you eat rice in moderation as a part of a varied diet, it will likely be a non-issue.

If rice is a large part of your diet, make sure to follow the preparation and cooking advice given above to reduce arsenic from your rice.

Sources include:
consumerreports.org
healthline.com
bbc.co.uk

About the author

NJroute22

NJroute22 (site admin) is an avid traveler along NJ Route 22 (and almost all of central New Jersey!) Family man, pet lover, and property owner who has a natural curiosity for everything around.