noun
pre-gelatinized rice; instant rice
Rice that has been cooked and then dehydrated, allowing quick preparation by adding hot water. Common in emergency rations, camping meals, and processed food products.
非常食としてアルファ化米を備蓄している。
We stockpile pre-gelatinized rice as emergency food.
登山のときはアルファ化米が便利だ。
Instant rice is convenient when mountain climbing.
Refers to instant noodles, while アルファ化米 is specifically instant rice.
Dried rice in general; アルファ化米 is a specific type that has been pre-cooked (gelatinized) before drying.
From アルファ (alpha) + 化 (transformation) + 米 (rice), referring to the alpha-starch state achieved by gelatinization during cooking.