Rice is a staple food to more than half of the world's population, it lends itself to a limitless number of recipes. Rice is one of the most commonly consumed foods in the world, and for good reason: It’s versatile, substantial, easy to prepare, and delicious, making it a perfect staple in every kitchen. Whether it’s incorporated into the main dish, served as a side, or transformed into a snack or dessert, rice can do it all while providing comfort and satiety.
The rise aisle at your supermarket can be a little bit overwhelming sometimes :p We are here to help you with your rice needs!
Rice is divided into different groups like Length & Shape, Color, and Aroma.
Length and Shape
Rice is often characterized as one of three varieties - long-grain, medium-grain, or short-grain rice. These varieties refer to the length and shape of the grain. Simply speaking, long grain rice will have a longer cylindrical shape, whereas short grain rice will be shorter and wider.
LONG GRAIN RICE
This rice has milled grains that are at least three to four times as long as they are wide. Due to its starch composition, it is separate, light, and fluffy when cooked. Basmati Rice is said to be long grain rice.
MEDIUM GRAIN RICE
When compared to long-grain rice, medium-grain rice has a shorter, wider kernel. Since the cooked grains are more moist and tender than long grain rice, the rice has a greater tendency to stick together.
SHORT GRAIN RICE Featuring grains that are less than twice as long as they are wide, this rice is short and best for sushi. It has a sticky texture when cooked.
Color
Rice is originally brown after harvesting. Once the nutrient-rich outer layer of bran is removed, it turns white.
BROWN RICE
Brown rice is the new white rice. It can be easily substituted into any dish in the place of white rice and it contains more nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, while also offering more fiber per serving than white rice.
BLACK RICE
Also called forbidden rice, black rice is not so forbidden! It is occasionally used in restaurants and Thai cuisine. This type of rice has an earthy and nutty flavor. It has an antioxidant called anthocyanins which gives the black color.
RED RICE
Red rice is high in anthocyanin, an antioxidant that dyes the rice grain’s bran a reddish color. This is widely used in Thailand, Africa, and some parts of Bhutan. Red rice is traditionally cooked with a lot of herbs and spices pepper, garlic, and chili. It has a sweet aroma
Aroma
Aroma is another factor to consider when cooking with rice. Certain rice varieties give off pleasing fragrances while being cooked.
BASMATI RICE
Basmati rice is a type of long-grain rice that is popular among Indian cuisine and other ethnic dishes. Cooked basmati rice imparts a subtle nutty or popcorn-like flavor and aroma.
JASMINE RICE
Jasmine rice is nutty and aromatic, a little more so than basmati rice, but it originated in Thailand. It’s a shorter grain than basmati rice, but they can be used interchangeably. Use it to infuse a subtle jasmine flavor and aroma into your dishes.
Other types of rice
1. PARBOILED RICE- Parboiled rice is processed differently than regular white and brown rice. The hull is left on as it’s soaked and steamed. It’s then dried, hulls are removed, and the resulting rice is packaged. Because the hull is left on for longer in the process, the grains absorb more nutrients like vitamin B and potassium. Once cooked, it’s dry and has a firm texture.
2. BAMBOO RICE
Bamboo rice is made from bamboo shoots, and it is actually a seed at the end of its life span. It can be challenging to find bamboo rice at your local grocery shop since it’s very uncommon. However, bamboo rice is very nutritious and has a great taste. Bamboo rice is short-grained and has a floral aroma.
3. PURPLE THAI RICE
Purple Thai rice is a very functional rice type since you can use it to make sweet and savory dishes. The color of rice is purple even after cooking it unless you add spices that destroy the color. It’s used to create innovative and expensive dishes and behave like a jasmine mixture and sticky rice.
The Bottom Line
Choosing different types of rice for your kitchen can be a simple way to improve your diet. I hope this guide has helped you increase your knowledge about rice and it's varieties!
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