Meet Zojirushi’s Product of the Month: Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-TSC10A/18A

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Zojirushi America Corporation

Have you met the newest Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-TSC10A/18A? This beauty comes packed with healthy features that will make it so much easier for you to plan nutritious and healthy meals. From quinoa to steel cut oatmeal, this truly versatile rice cooker will cook grains perfectly effortlessly.

Features

This rice cooker comes in two sizes, a 5.5 cups capacity for smaller households and a 10 cups capacity for larger families. Whatever size you choose, each Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-TSC10A/18A comes with a beautiful stainless gray exterior and a microcomputer with our signature Fuzzy logic technology, which adjusts cooking times and temperatures to ensure perfect results time after time.

Like all of our products, this Zojirushi rice cooker was designed with both style and functionality in mind, with a retractable cord for easy storage, a clear-coated stainless steel exterior, an LCD control panel with Clock and Timer functions, and a convenient detachable inner lid for effortless cleaning. Accessories include a steaming basket, rice measuring cup, nonstick rice spatula, and spatula holder.

Settings

These Zojirushi rice cookers can cook rice, healthy grains like quinoa or brown rice, steel cut oatmeal, and steam veggies all at the touch of a button. Simply choose your desired setting and let the Micom Rice Cooker do the rest for you. Use the steaming basket and select the “steam” menu setting to steam your favorite vegetables, fish, or dumplings. For those busy mornings when you don’t have time prepare breakfast, set up the timer the night before and have delicious steel cut oatmeal ready the next morning ready for everyone to enjoy while you get a few more minutes to sleep.

If you’re cooking rice, select which type of rice you will be cooking, and come back when you hear the machine’s cheerful melody or beep signal that lets you know your rice is ready. There is an automatic “keep warm” setting that will keep your rice hot and fresh for you and a delay timer that allows you to choose at which exact time you want the rice cooker to have your rice perfectly cooked.

Rice menu settings include

White/sushi
Mixed
Porridge
Sweet
Brown
Cake
Steam
Quick-cooking

To see the Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer in action, watch our product video on YouTube. Looking for rice or other recipe ideas to use with your rice cooker? Visit Zojirushi.com to discover our library of dishes that you can easily make with the help of your Zojirushi appliances.

Now that you’ve been introduced to the Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-TSC10A/18A, which feature do you look most forward to using? Will it be rice, dumplings, or quinoa? Be sure to share your dishes with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer NW-JEC10/18

Posted on April 23, 2022 by Zojirushi America Corporation

Are you ready to meet the newest member of our Zojirushi lineup? Our highest quality pressure IH rice cooker to date is here – the Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer NW-JEC10/18. With up to 49 different customization settings, superior induction heating (IH) technology, our signature fuzzy logic smart rice cooking technology, and all made in Japan, this rice cooker truly cooks your rice your way. There are many more special features that we are excited to show you on this Zojirushi rice cooker, so let’s get to it!

A Quick Look

NW-JEC10/18 is available in two sizes: 5.5 cups and 10 cups

The Zojirushi Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer comes in a sleek “Silky Black” color with a large easy-to-read, orange LCD control panel located right on top. Available in two sizes, 5.5 cups or 10 cups, this versatile rice cooker also features a detachable inner lid with an integrated steam vent that makes the cleaning process simple and hassle-free.

As always, all surfaces that come into contact with food are BPA-free, and the iron coated and platinum infused nonstick inner cooking pan changes the water quality for sweeter-tasting rice and provides even heating.

Don’t forget the accessories! Cook your rice perfectly every time with the dedicated rice measuring cup that comes with the rice cooker and fluff your rice with joy with the included self-standing spatula.

Iron coated and platinum infused nonstick coated inner pan, self-standing spatula, and rice measuring cup.

The Technology

We know that this is a pretty-looking appliance on the outside, but it’s really what’s on the inside that counts. Here’s a look at the technology that truly makes this rice cooker stand apart from the rest:

Pressurized Cooking: The simultaneous pressurized cooking and steaming infuses the sweetness back to each grain during the cooking process and produces sticky and plump rice. No need to worry about dry or overcooked rice – ever. The multiple fail-safe measures guarantee safe pressure cooking. And the sensors make sure that all parts are set up properly before starting to cook.

Strong convection brings out the sweetness of the rice.

New Premium Convection: Combining high heat with high pressure creates strong convection that stirs the rice while it cooks, enhancing the sweetness and delicious flavor of the rice.
Artificial Intelligence: We designed this Zojirushi rice cooker with our signature advanced fuzzy logic technology with AI, which intelligently adjusts the cooking cycle to cook rice to perfection regardless of season or ambient temperature. There is also a self-cleaning function that keeps the rice cooker clean and prevents any unpleasant odors from lingering over time, keeping this rice cooker good as new for years.

Just input how the rice turned out (firmness and stickiness), the rice cooker will make small changes to the cooking flow until it gets to the way you like it

Multi-menu Cooking Functions: This appliance comes packed with settings that allow you to cook different types of rice. The new “My Rice (49 Ways)” menu setting makes small changes to the cooking cycle based on your feedback on the firmness and stickiness of white rice. But that’s not all! This appliance includes umami, mixed, sushi, Jasmine, porridge, congee, brown, GABA brown, steel cut oatmeal, quick white, and quick Jasmine menu settings.

To see this rice cooker in action, make sure to watch the product video for more info. You can find plenty of rice recipes on our website as well, on zojirushi.com.

What is your favorite feature on the new Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer NW-JEC10/18? Be sure to share your thoughts with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

You Love Your Rice Cooker. Now, Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Rice.

Posted on January 27, 2022 by Zojirushi America Corporation

Zojirushi has been making rice cookers for nearly 40 years, so we like to consider ourselves experts in the field. Therefore, we test our products with the most modern technology to ensure that our appliances can make the best quality cooked rice every single time. For example, our new Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18 is equipped with a special umami setting that features technology that soaks and steams your rice for longer, which results in an enhanced rice flavor. This is in addition to our signature Fuzzy logic technology, which can cook a variety of different grains to perfection.

But, did you know that rice is the most important human food crop in the world, feeding more than half of the world’s population? In Japan, rice symbolizes blessing and joy and is a staple for every meal in every household. Not only are rice crops a staple in Asian countries, but the gluten-free grain is essential in cuisines from Africa to Latin America. Today, in honor of our love of rice, we will be exploring the history of rice, where rice comes from, and other ways that the rice plant contributes to human culture worldwide.

What is Rice?

In simple terms, rice is an edible starchy cereal grain produced from a grass plant. Specifically, the grass species or rice plant that rice comes from is called Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or Oryza glaberrima (African rice). There are many other rice species within these classifications, such as Japonica, Indica, Aromatic, and Glutinous. Overall, it is estimated that there are up to 40,000 different types of Oryza sativa all over the world.

Where Did Rice Originate From?

The oldest rice species is thought to have originated about 14 million years ago in what is now the Philippines. Over time, this species became cultivated by humans, and the rice plant evolved to produce rice grains that were more palatable to the human taste. Asian rice was first domesticated in China between 8,200 and 13,500 years ago and then spread to other parts of the world.

Where is Rice Grown?

Because rice is a resilient plant that can grow in various wet or dry climates and withstand extreme weather conditions, it can essentially be grown anywhere in the world (except for Antarctica). There are more than 144 million rice farms worldwide, ranging from Asia, West Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The Oryza sativa can be grown worldwide, while the Oryza glaberrima is grown in West Africa. In 2017, China produced the most paddy rice in the world, clocking in at 210.3 million metric tons. India had the largest harvest area of rice in the 2017-2018 season, coming in at 43.78 million hectares of farmland.

Global Rice Consumption

Rice is most widely consumed in Asia, providing up to 50% of the dietary caloric supply for millions in the region. However, we are seeing other countries in Latin America and Africa adopting rice as an increasingly important part of their diets as well. According to recent studies, rice consumption around the world is expected to grow steadily at 1.1% per year until 2025. Thanks to rice, we are able to fill hungry stomachs around the world and even use every part of the rice plant to build houses, make clothing, or even make rice-based beauty products. At Zojirushi, rice is a way of life, which we celebrate daily in our commitment to making the best rice cooking appliances.

Did you learn something new about rice today? What is your favorite type of rice, and how do you like to prepare it? Let us know if you have any more rice trivia by tagging Zojirushi on your photos with #zojirushi on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

Cozy Wintertime Meals Made with the Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Zojirushi America Corporation

Happy New Year! We are so excited to cook our favorite wintertime meals this January as we cozy up to the colder weather. With Zojirushi’s versatile new Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18, we’re able to make so much more than white rice with just a single appliance, from soup, congee, and more. The exclusive Umami setting on this Zojirushi rice cooker is also great for cooking a variety of rice grains as well, as it extends soaking and steaming to make your rice fluffier, sweeter, and more delicious. Today, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite rice based dishes we’ll be preparing in January with the help of our Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18.

Zojirushi’s Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18Before we dive into the recipes, let’s get to know our rice cooker a little better. The Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18 is an elegant appliance that comes in a stylish Metallic Black color, with two sizes available to accommodate various household sizes: 5.5 and 10 cups. What makes this rice cooker unique is its advanced micro computerized fuzzy logic technology that allows it to offer a long list of menu settings including Zojirushi’s special Umami setting, that will help you whip up a variety of tasty dishes.

Menu settings include:

White
Umami
Mixed
sushi/sweet
Jasmine
Porridge
Congee
Brown
GABA brown
Quick white
Quick Jasmine
Steam
Slow cook

It features an easy-to-read LCD control panel, clock and delay timer, nonstick coated inner cooking pan, and all food contact surfaces are BPA free. The inner lid is detachable for easy cleaning, and the rice cooker also comes with additional accessories such as a steaming basket, rice spatula, and measuring cup. To see this rice cooker in action, visit our product video here.

Now that we’ve been properly introduced to our Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18, let’s dive into our dishes!

Rice Dishes:

Jambalaya

We love Jambalaya because it combines many great flavors into one delicious bowl. This hearty meal features shrimp, sausage, and a hint of chili flakes that will warm you right up.

Shiitake-Gohan

This classic Japanese rice dish is simple to make using the convenient mixed setting for an easy meal that will keep you satisfied with its umami-rich flavor from the shiitake mushrooms.

Soups:

Vegetable Brown Rice Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup)

Zosui is traditional Japanese comfort food that combines rice, chicken broth, and seasonal vegetables. This simple yet satisfying soup can be made from scratch or from leftover nabe base if you have it. Perfect for lunch or dinner on a cold day!

Keihan (Japanese Chicken Soup with Rice)

Keihan is another traditional Japanese dish that hails from the southern islands of Japan. This dish features shiitake mushrooms, chicken breasts, and egg crepes. Yum!

Casseroles:

Baked Rice Casserole with Artichokes and Mushrooms

Our baked rice casserole dish is excellent for mushroom lovers and is a gluten-free alternative to other traditional casseroles. Combine all ingredients into a casserole or ceramic bowl and bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Japanese Style Curry Doria

This Japanese-inspired doria is a wonderful way to make use of leftover curry and rice and turn them into the ultimate comfort meal. This dish comes sizzling out of the oven ready to eat, featuring mozzarella cheese, parsley, and butter.

What are your favorite dishes to enjoy in the wintertime? Do you have any favorite recipes that you plan to try from this blog? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Celebrate the Holidays with Japanese Flavor

Posted on December 25, 2021 by Zojirushi America Corporation

Are you excited for the holidays? In addition to going all out with festive decorations, Japanese people love to celebrate this time of year with popular American foods seasoned with a Japanese twist. For those who want to add a twist to their holiday dinner, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite Japanese and American holiday recipes that are guaranteed to delight and impress – all of which can be made easily with the help of the new Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-DCC10/18.

Introducing The Rice Cooker That Does It All

The newest addition to our rice cooker lineup is the Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-DCC10/18. It comes in 5.5 or 10 cup capacities and in a beautiful Pearl Beige color. What’s unique about this appliance is that it is built with advanced micro computerized Fuzzy Logic technology, meaning that the rice cooker can automatically adjust cooking temperatures and cooking time to cook your rice (or cake!) perfectly every time.

It also includes a wide variety of settings which include: White, Long Grain White, Sushi, Congee, Brown, GABA Brown, Jasmine, Steel Cut Oatmeal, Quinoa, Quick White, and Cake.

Choose from convenient features like automatic keep warm, extended keep warm, reheat, and delay timer functions on the rice cooker’s easy-to-read LCD control panel, so you can cook your dishes whenever you please.

In addition, the appliance comes with an easy-to-clean detachable and washable inner lid, detachable power cord, and extra-large steam vent cap for high-powered cooking. The Menu

Now that we’re thoroughly acquainted with the Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-DCC10/18, let’s get to cooking!

First Bite

If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, it’s important to make a great first impression. Not only are these dishes visually attractive, but they’re also easily shareable and super tasty.

Baked Mac and Cheese Style Brown Rice: A fun twist on mac and cheese, this dish combines brown rice with a medley of cheeses and tomatoes.

Gomoku Sushi: This is a beautifully garnished rice bowl that features seasonal vegetables and seafood on top of sushi rice. Because it can be prepared in advance, it’s the perfect appetizer for events or large gatherings.

Prosciutto Rice Balls: These bite-size rice balls combine Japanese culinary techniques with Italian style. The prosciutto pairs perfectly with the rice, and the basil adds a fresh zing. Pro rice tip: Always rinse the rice before cooking, even brown rice. Milling leaves a lot of starch on the surface of the rice, and if not removed the rice becomes gummy. We recommend to rinse it 3 to 4 times to remove the excess starch. Remember to work quickly to prevent the rice from absorbing starchy water as much as possible. Watch this video to learn more.

Main Course:

Did you know that Christmas Eve and Christmas are widely celebrated with a bucket of KFC fried chicken in Japan? Because turkey is not readily available in the country, this craze has endured throughout the holidays for decades. Here are two dishes that you can make to celebrate just like the Japanese, with chicken as a star ingredient.

Karaage is Japanese-style fried chicken that is fried to crispy deliciousness in small, bite-sized pieces served with rice. It is sure to be a favorite during the holidays.

Curry Doria is a mix between a casserole and Japanese curry. Add generous amounts of mozzarella, and add your protein of choice to your liking (in this case, chicken!). Pro rice tip: Remember to use your measuring cup to measure out your rice and use the water measuring lines on the pan to measure the water. We cook and test tons and tons of rice every year, so our rice cookers can cook the best-tasting rice for you consistently. It’s scientific. It’s precise. Trust us, and use the rice measuring cup in conjunction with the water measure lines. It will yield a perfect result. Every. Single. Time.

A Sweet Ending

One of the biggest highlights of a Japanese Christmas is the decorative cakes that look like works of art — they are almost too pretty to eat! In Japan, people especially love enjoying strawberry shortcake on this holiday. Below are fruit-forward cake options that you can make straight out of your rice cooker.

Layered Trifle Tower: This fluffy sponge cake is layered beautifully with marsala sherry, raspberry jam, custard, and fruit. Serve in a clear vessel to show off the beautiful interior.

Whole Wheat Sponge Cake: This whole wheat cake only requires seven ingredients (plus the fruit) and is easily baked at the touch of a button. Top with whipped cream, enjoy, repeat.

How are you going to spend the holidays this year? Are you planning on trying any of these recipes or tips we shared today? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan