Even my mom agrees that this is the best Japanese short-grain rice grown domestically. Tamaki is a Japanese-owned and operated company growing, milling, and packaging their rice in Sacramento, CA.

Tamaki Gold is 100% Koshikari rice (one of the best quality rice for eating). Koshihikari is known for its texture and flavor and is considered the benchmark for assessing modern varietals of Japanese rice. Tamaki Gold Rice ranks among the top Koshikari grown in Japan.

To cook rice, here are a few pointers. If you have a Japanese rice cooker, you must use the little measuring cup that comes with it because a Japanese cup is not the same as an American cup! 

If you lost your Japanese measuring cup or you are cooking rice in a pot or donabe, here's an easy fail-safe formula: Measure out the rice. Rinse it three times under running water. Let it soak in water for 15 minutes. Drain the water and place equal parts rice and water in your cooking vessel and cook. Don't stir it and don't even look at it while it's cooking! Once it's done, let it rest for 10 minutes (don't remove the lid, just let it sleep!) Then and only then give it a gentle 'fluff' with a rice paddle and it's all ready to go!

4.4 lb (I'd consider this a small bag. Makes about 24 cups of cooked rice)