The Secret to Korean Microwavable Rice

Technologies and practices contribute to Hetbahn rice’s freshly-cooked taste. The practice of cooking rice in Korean culinary culture can be divided into two phases: before the advent of Hetbahn, and after. The introduction of Hetbahn transformed the previously long rice preparation process into a simple, 2-minute microwave method.  CJ CheilJedang’s microwavable rice brand Hetbahn has achieved 5 trillion KRW (3.9 billion USD) in total sales since its launch in 1996, a figure that is quickly rising primarily due to international sales.  Instant rice has become a staple in Korean society, with 44.3% of the Korean population consuming instant rice at least once a year. But what is the secret behind its popularity? The technologies that go into creating Hetbahn’s freshly cooked taste ensure the unrivaled home-cooked flavor of CheilJedang’s leading instant rice product. The hygiene management system keeps environmental conditions tightly under control, rivaling that of a semiconductor factor. The sealed packaging technology keeps the product fresh for up to nine months, while a leading sterilization system keeps out microorganisms and maintains its quality. CJ Blossom Campus in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, featuring leading food technology capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities for hygienic product production. Perfecting the Hetbahn Taste ” I often tell my family that Hetbahn only use the best-quality rice. The rice is delivered in the early morning when temperatures are low and is meticulously managed throughout the entire acquisition and production process. I’m confident that its quality is unmatched, regardless of price point.” – Jeong Hyo-young, Chief Research and Development Officer of Processed Rice, CJ CheilJedang Requiring years of research and investment, CJ CheilJedang developed the instant rice product in 1989, eventually launching in 1996. As of 2023, there are dozens of technologies that are incorporated into Hetbahn, covering the manufacturing, equipment, processing, and packaging stages, all working together to create the perfect, market-leading rice taste. CJ CheilJedang secured more than 100 global patents, ranking fifth in the world for published patents, based on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) data. Sourcing the Finest Rice of Each Year  With only two ingredients, rice and water, Hetbahn is able to achieve its consistent taste despite potential variations in rice quality caused by factors such as changing climates. This is made possible by CJ CheilJedang’s 27 years of accumulated skills and knowledge. The Hetbahn researchers work hard every year to source the best rice available. In 2015, CJ CheilJedang established its own rice seed body ‘CJ Breeding’ dedicated to rice seed development, allowing the company to have direct oversight over the entire lifecycle of the rice being used in their product. Processing Rice In-House For Higher Quality Results Understanding that even the most meticulously-chosen rice can lose its freshness over time, CJ stands out as the only company in the industry that processes rice within its own factory. By doing so, the company  has the ability to optimize the process according to different rice varieties.  Rice refining, which entails removing the husk, is an essential step prior to cooking rice. CJ recognizes that the freshness, taste, and overall quality of rice may deteriorate over time. To deliver Hetbahn products of the highest quality, the company only uses rice that has been refined on the same day and then cooked within 24 hours. At the CJ Blossom Campus’ Hetbahn Smart Factory Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, visitors can see and experience the Hetbahn production process firsthand. Cutting-Edge Clean Rooms For Longer Shelf Life While ordinary rice spoils after around nine days of storage, Hetbahn has a shelf life of around nine months thanks to CJ’s innovative clean room facility, which ensures the highest level of hygiene similar to that found in a semiconductor facility.  In this dedicated clean room, the rice is prepared in a clean container and then cooked at high temperatures and pressures using purified water. This process creates an entirely microorganism-free environment, ensuring the rice is able to retain its taste and quality – all without any added preservatives. Furthermore, Hetbahn containers are thin but strong, with a multilayer structure design and internal oxygen barrier that also serve to maintain the iconic Hetbahn freshly cooked taste over time.