Japanese inventors have developed a pack of rice that you cook by adding cold water. Called "Hotto! Raisu," the product would be an excellent emergency ration after a natural disaster. From Mainichi Daily News:
By subjecting rice to 4,000 times normal atmospheric pressure, the developers were able to preserve rice for long periods in a soft form that holds moisture. When water is poured over an exothermic agent in the pack, steam warms the rice contained within, and after about 15 minutes, the dish is piping hot.
Link (Thanks, Paul Saffo!)
