What Is a Semibrown Rice Zojirushi?

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Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Richard West

Zojirushi produces a line of advanced rice cookers that cook not only regular white and brown rice but also semibrown rice, which is a whole-grain rice that is easier to digest and has a faster-cooking time than brown rice.

Semibrown Rice

Semibrown rice, also referred to as semipolished brown rice and "genmai" in Japanese, is the result when between 30% and 70% of the bran and germ layer is removed from the rice hulls.

Brown Rice vs. Semibrown Rice

Brown rice is unpolished and has the outer most layer of chaff removed, while semibrown rice has normally about 60% of the outer layers removed, which results in a less nutty flavor and shorter cooking time than brown rice.

Zojirushi Rice Cookers

In the Zojirushi line of advanced rice cookers a special feature called Neuro Fuzzy Logic uses a fuzzy logic system that automatically makes adjustments in temperature and cooking time depending on the rice and has a menu selection for semibrown rice in the Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10/18 Rice Cooker and Warmer.

Health Benefits

Semibrown rice is very nutritious and can help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The outer layer of bran and germ is rich in fiber, proteins, sugars, minerals and vitamins such as B1, B2, B6 and folic acid. Its fiber content also helps to prevent constipation.

Tips

The less nutty flavor of semibrown rice makes it a common and healthy substitute for white rice in sushi.