rice polishing ratio
Technical term used in sake brewing and rice milling. Indicates the percentage of the original brown rice grain remaining after polishing. Lower numbers mean more of the outer layers have been removed. Often expressed as a percentage, e.g., 精米歩合60% means 60% of the grain remains.
This sake uses rice polished to 50% of its original size.
The lower the rice polishing ratio, the fewer off-flavors there are, and it is considered a higher-grade sake.
精米 refers to the process of polishing rice, while 精米歩合 is the specific ratio or percentage of rice remaining after polishing.
歩合 is a general term for a rate, ratio, or commission. 精米歩合 is a specific application of this concept to rice polishing.
Compound of 精米 (seimai, 'polished rice') and 歩合 (buai, 'rate, ratio').