Yes, microwave rice is generally considered a processed food.
Processed foods are foods that have undergone some level of alteration from their original state before being consumed. Microwave rice typically goes through several processing steps before it reaches the consumer:
Rice Selection and Cleaning: The rice grains are selected, cleaned, and sometimes polished to remove the outer husk and bran layers.
Parboiling: Parboiling is a process where the rice is partially cooked while still in the husk. This helps to gelatinize the starches and make the rice less likely to stick together.
Milling: The husk, bran, and germ layers are removed from the rice kernel through milling, leaving behind the white rice.
Pre-cooking and Seasoning: In the case of microwave rice, the rice may undergo pre-cooking to a certain degree. It is often seasoned or flavored during this step.
Packaging and Preservatives: The pre-cooked and seasoned rice is then sealed in convenient packaging, sometimes with added preservatives to extend shelf life.
Microwave Preparation: The consumer prepares the microwave rice by heating it in a microwave for a short period, during which it finishes cooking and becomes ready to eat.
