Black forbidden rice is great, but it stains things easily and takes a long time to cook, if I remember correctly. It smells like popcorn as it cooks and has this rich, almost creamy flavor and texture. I would recommend it.
I can’t say I’ve ever heard of anyone washing their rice in this region, but then I leave the cooking to others. Will check with the wife. Ironically, our rice cooker sees little action. When you can pick up a full meal in the marketplace for a dollar or two, why bother? Or slightly more in a restaurant.
As for healthy diets, my doctor here has told me to avoid rice, as well as noodles and bread. I have high cholesterol. But avoid rice and noodles in Thailand. Not likely!
Asked the wife. She said OF COURSE you wash rice. Seemed to think it very odd I would ask such a thing. Well, hey, I’m not a cook. :o
Now even my husband loves it - we bought some boxed rice (New Orleon’s style rice & red beans) and it came out wonderfully! I put in a little less water than the package directed, and voila!
I can’t get over how easy it is to cook with this!