Abstract: Milled rice grains are primarily immersed, and at least surface layers of the grains are converted to the alpha-type. The rice grains are then preliminarily dried and consummatively polished, and are further subjected to secondary immersing and secondary alpha-type conversion. During these processes, there occurs no cracking on the surfaces of the rice grains. The consummatively polished rice grains are then separated into individual single grains. The separated individual single grains are finally dried whereby the finished product of instant rice is obtained. The instant rice containing polished rice has good appearance and quality.

Abstract: Milled rice grains are primarily immersed, and at least surface layers of the grains are converted to the alpha-type. The rice grains are then preliminarily dried and consummatively polished, and are further subjected to secondary immersing and secondary alpha-type conversion. During these processes, there occurs no cracking on the surfaces of the rice grains. The consummatively polished rice grains are then separated into individual single grains. The separated individual single grains are finally dried whereby the finished product of instant rice is obtained. The instant rice containing polished rice has good appearance and quality.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cooking food products. In particular, cereal grains and rice products may be cooked pursuant to a multi-step process in which rice is first prewashed, presteamed, and then allowed to absorb water in a steeping step for a short time before being cooked in a steam cooker. The rice may be passed along to various dryers, and later dried and packaged for use by the consumer. Further, an apparatus and method are disclosed for using and recirculating water in a more efficient and economical manner in a food processing operation.