Learn what causes poha to turn hard and rubbery when left open. Discover how it quickly loses moisture, which ruins its delicate texture.
1 Answer
Poha becomes rubbery when left uncovered due to moisture loss, causing the flattened rice flakes to dry out and harden. Rehydration is key to restoring its soft texture.
Detailed Explanation:
Poha, made from flattened rice, is naturally porous and absorbs moisture easily during preparation. When poha is left uncovered, the moisture it initially absorbed evaporates into the surrounding air. This evaporation process causes the rice flakes to lose their inherent softness and flexibility. As the moisture content decreases, the poha becomes dry, stiff, and develops a rubbery or chewy texture. Think of it like a sponge – when wet, it's pliable, but when dry, it becomes hard and inflexible. The same principle applies to poha. To prevent this, it's crucial to keep poha covered after preparation to retain its moisture and maintain its desired soft and fluffy consistency.
Pro Tip:
To revive rubbery poha, sprinkle a little water over it and gently steam it for a few minutes. This will rehydrate the rice flakes and restore some of its original softness. Avoid adding too much water, as this can make it soggy.