Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Sake 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The formation of a large shinpaku, which refers to the white core of the rice grain that is milled away during sake production, is primarily influenced by the availability of essential nutrients. The correct answer involves calcium silicate, phosphoric acid, and potassium, which play crucial roles in the rice plant’s growth and development.

Calcium silicate is particularly important because it contributes to the structural integrity of the rice plant, allowing it to grow stronger and healthier, which can lead to better grain quality and larger shinpaku formation. Phosphoric acid is vital for energy transfer and photosynthesis in the plant, aiding in any growth processes that contribute to grain development. Potassium helps regulate water uptake and enzyme activity, both of which are essential to grain formation and nutrient assimilation.

Focusing on improving these nutrient levels in the soil or through fertilization can enhance the overall health of the rice plants and lead to a better yield of quality rice with larger shinpaku, ultimately impacting the sake quality during brewing. Other combinations of nutrients found in the incorrect options may not have the same specific effects on shinpaku size or may play a less direct role in the processes involved in rice maturation and quality.