Sweet rice flour is made by grinding glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice or sweet rice) into a fine powder. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
-
Washing the Rice: The process starts with washing the raw glutinous rice grains thoroughly. This removes any dirt, debris, or excess starch from the surface. The rice is placed in a bowl, covered with water, and swished around with hands until the water becomes cloudy. This process is repeated until the water runs relatively clear.
-
Dehydrating the Rice: After washing, the rice needs to be completely dried. This is crucial to prevent clumping and ensure proper grinding. The washed rice is spread out in a thin layer on a clean towel or parchment paper. You can pat the rice dry with a towel or paper towel to speed up the drying process. Air drying is also an option. Complete dryness is essential for optimal results.
-
Grinding the Rice: Once the rice is completely dry, it's time to grind it into a fine powder. This is typically done using a high-speed blender or a grain mill. The dried rice is added to the blender or mill in batches. Parchment paper can be used to transfer the rice into a high-speed blender, preventing it from sticking. It is blended or milled until it reaches a very fine, powdery consistency. The finer the grind, the smoother the flour.
Sweet rice flour production involves cleaning, drying, and grinding glutinous rice until it reaches a fine powder form.
