Learn why poha (flattened rice) acts like a sponge for humidity. Its dry, flaky structure means it needs to be stored in a very airtight container.
1 Answer
Poha, or flattened rice, absorbs moisture from the air due to its porous and hygroscopic nature, meaning it readily attracts and holds water molecules from its surroundings.
Detailed Explanation:
Poha is made by parboiling rice and then flattening it. This process creates a porous structure within the rice flakes. These pores increase the surface area of the poha, making it more susceptible to absorbing moisture from the air. The starch molecules in the rice are also hygroscopic, meaning they have an affinity for water molecules. When poha is exposed to humid air, the water molecules in the air are attracted to the starch and get trapped within the porous structure of the flakes. This leads to the poha becoming soft and sticky over time. The higher the humidity, the faster the poha will absorb moisture.
Pro Tip:
Store poha in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming stale. Adding a desiccant packet, like silica gel, can further help to absorb any residual moisture inside the container.