Stamp for “Nitou” rice grade

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

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 Nittou grade, 60% 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
• Ittou
• Santou

View our Rice Grading Chart:

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