When it comes to cooking rice, many people have learned to use the knuckle method—a technique passed down from parents or grandparents. The idea is simple, and some of us have heard it before. After adding the rice to the cooker, place your index finger on top of the rice, and add water until it reaches the first knuckle.
It’s a popular method that has seen a comeback recently. But is it really the best way to get the correct rice water ratio?
At Zojirushi, we believe in precision, which is why we’re here to tell you that the knuckle method isn’t as accurate as you might think. Let’s break it down.
What’s Wrong with the Knuckle Method?
The biggest flaw with the knuckle method is that it’s not consistent. For starters, every person has different-sized hands. This means that the amount of water measured by your knuckle will vary greatly depending on the size of your finger. We did the math:
- Large Hand: Measuring water up to the first knuckle in a large hand resulted in 360ml of water.
- Small Hand: The same knuckle measurement in a smaller hand resulted in 230ml of water.
That’s a 130ml difference, which is significant when it comes to cooking the perfect pot of rice!
We Put the Knuckle Method to the Test
To show that the knuckle method isn’t trustworthy, we did an experiment using our NS-LGC05 Rice Cooker. Here’s what we tested:
- Two Different Hand Sizes: We used two people with significantly different hand sizes to measure the water using the knuckle method.
- One Cup of Short Grain White Rice: Both participants measured water for the same amount of rice.
- Control Sample: We compared the results to rice cooked using the accurate water measuring lines inside the Zojirushi rice cooker.
Here’s What We Found
- The large hand measured water that was closer to the 1.5 water line for white rice.
- The small hand-measured water closer to the 1 water line.
We then added the recommended water using the Zojirushi method, which involves measuring rice and water exactly to the line indicated inside the cooker.
How Did the Rice Turn Out?
When we cooked the rice, the results were clear:
- Large Hand Method: The rice was very soft and mushy, with no distinct grains. It was similar to dry rice porridge.
- Small Hand Method: The rice was soft but still a little mushy, with more individualized grains than the large hand method, but still not perfect.
The Conclusion: Stick to Precise Measurements
Using the knuckle method for cooking rice may seem convenient, but as our test showed, it’s far from reliable. Water amounts vary wildly between different sized hands, resulting in inconsistent rice textures. It makes it easier to undercook or overcook rice with the water inconsistency as well.
At Zojirushi, we’ve spent years fine-tuning our rice cookers to make sure they produce perfectly cooked rice every time. The water lines inside our rice cookers are there for a reason! We carefully calibrate them to provide the perfect water-to-rice ratio for each rice type.
By using the water lines in your Zojirushi rice cooker, you can be confident that your rice will always turn out just right. So, next time you’re cooking rice, ditch the knuckle method! Rely on the precision of your rice cooker’s built-in water measurement system.
Ready to Cook Perfect Rice Every Time? If you haven’t already, check out our full range of Zojirushi rice cookers, designed to take the guesswork out of cooking rice and ensure consistent, delicious results every time. Share your rice cooking moments with us on social media by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook. #Zojirushi #ZoFan
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