While some skip the time-consuming process of rinsing rice entirely, the step is non-negotiable for others. That said, it's generally agreed that rinsing your rice is necessary.

Rinsing rice removes dirt, grime, and bugs it may have picked up during processing. It also removes the starch build-up that forms dust as the rice tumbles around during transport.

Lingering starch causes the kernels to stick, so washing off the excess starch on the kernels' surface is crucial for achieving fluffy rice, regardless of the type you're using.

You may benefit from not rinsing rice when making a dish like risotto, which requires the rice to meld, but you should still give it a quick rinse to remove dirt or debris.

Rinsing rice does wash away some of its nutrients, but the importance of washing away foreign substances from rice outweighs our need for the small amount of nutrients it carries.