Stamp for “Ittou” rice grade (first grade)

All rice used for making sake (Sakamai) must be graded before it can be sold and used in sake production.  “Ittou” is the known as “first grade” but it is actually ranks third in terms of quality. “Tokujo” (above special/very top grade), and “Tokuto” (Special/second from top grade.) are considered higher in quality than Ittou grade.

Sake rice is graded on weight of the grains (measured in a value known as the Senryuju or weight of 1000 grains), number of broken or cracked grains and the number of grains that remain “green” or unripened. (right size, not cracked and not green/unripened). To qualify for Ittou grade, 70% of the rice grains must meet the quality standard. The grade or classification of the rice is stamped on the rice bag.

Also See Related Terms:

• Sakamai
• Senryuju
• Tokujo
• Tokuto
• Nitou
• Santou

View our Rice Grading Chart:

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