How long does it take to polish 600kg of rice to 50% seimai-buai?

Polishing rice to a specific seimai-buai (the percentage of the original weight retained after polishing) is a crucial step in sake production as it affects the flavor profile and overall quality of the sake. For a polishing rate of 50%, the rice is reduced to half of its original weight during this process.

The time required to polish 600 kg of rice to 50% seimai-buai typically falls within a range of around 40 to 50 hours. The reason the chosen answer is appropriate is that the standard duration for this process, considering the size and weight of the rice mass involved, aligns well with real-world practices observed in sake production.

The polishing process must be carefully executed, as overly aggressive polishing can damage the grain, while inadequate polishing may not achieve the desired seimai-buai. The time also reflects the need for careful monitoring and adjustment of the polishing equipment, ensuring a uniform polishing rate throughout the entire batch of rice.

This choice captures a realistic duration that fits the expected norms within the industry, making it a sensible selection based on the practices prevalent in sake brewing.