You’ll be aware that there are numerous variations and types of rice in your neighbourhood grocery store aisle if you’ve ever taken the time to observe them. And trying to distinguish between them all may frequently be a little overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve created a brief guide on rice that will teach you how to select the right type of rice for your upcoming meal and help you avoid mistakes like using sticky or mushy rice in your rice salad.
Let’s begin with the basics.
Rice Varieties
What distinguishes long grain rice from short grain rice? Is rice white, brown, red, or black? How do you make a decision? Our goal is to assist you in understanding the various varieties of rice and their cooking methods.
Popular Rice Varieties
There are two main types of rice plants: indica, which is typically aromatic and long-grained, and japonica, which is short- and medium-grained. Rice comes in more than 40,000 different varieties within those two plant species.
Red rice, black rice, and purple rice are further varieties of unhulled rice. The oryza sativa rice grain comes in several varieties, but the colour comes from a higher anthocyanin concentration. They can be prepared similarly to brown rice.
Mini-Grain
The smallest variety of rice, referred to as Japonica rice or short-grain rice, has short, plump grains. When cooked, short-grain rice has a tendency to cluster together due to its form. In comparison to long-grain rice, short-grain rice has a higher starch content. Sushi rice and Arborio rice are common varieties of short-grain rice. Rice pudding, rice balls and sushi are all made with this variety of rice.
Grain Medium
Medium-grain rice is, as its name implies, longer than short-grain rice but wider and shorter than long-grain rice. Arborio and bomba rice are typical varieties of medium-grain rice. Use this variety of rice for risotto and paella.
Extended-Grain
Long-grain rice is distinguished by its narrow, long shape that is longer than it is wide. Because it doesn’t clump together and is fluffy and airy, it is adored. Basmati and jasmine rice are common varieties of long-grain rice. This kind of rice works well as the foundation for stir-fries, rice bowls, and rice pilaf.
What distinguishes brown rice from white rice?
The difference between brown and white rice can be used to determine the degree of processing. To make white rice, brown rice is simply ground until the bran and germ layers are gone. Brown rice is a superior option for more fibre, vitamins, and minerals because it contains many of the components found in rice in these layers.
Brown rice, a wholegrain with a chewy texture and nutty flavour, can be substituted for white rice in a variety of dishes. Just keep in mind that cooking times will need to be extended because brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Try out many varieties of rice
Rice is a very adaptable food. It may thicken up your favourite casseroles and give soups and curries more texture. It can also be used to sweeten rice pudding and other desserts by adding fruit. You can add your favourite type of rice to your Instacart order by purchasing it because there are so many options. Even better, you can opt for same-day delivery, which will arrive in two hours.
BROWN LONG GRAIN BASMATI RICE
The long, thin grains of basmati rice cook to a dry, fluffy, and delicate texture. It is the most widely consumed rice in India and is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Naturally, brown basmati rice is the best option for Indian dishes like biryani. Additionally, it works great whenever you want rice to maintain its texture and shape, such as soups, casseroles, and rice pilaf.
The best alternatives are any other whole grain or brown long grain rice.
TEXMATI RICE, BROWN, LONG GRAIN
Grown in America, texmati rice is a basmati hybrid that has a toasted popcorn flavour and is light and delicate. The texture of texmati rice is comparable to that of basmati, as the name suggests, and it may be substituted for basmati in any dish that asks for long-grain brown rice or basmati.
The best alternatives are any other long-grain brown rice, basmati rice, or Carolina Gold rice, another American hybrid.
LONG GRAIN BROWN JASMINE RICE
Jasmine rice with a strong aroma cooks to a light and somewhat firm texture. In Thailand, where “new crop” jasmine rice is highly valued for its unique flavour and benefits, it is the most consumed type of rice. Although we use jasmine rice expressly in our Oil-Free Tofu Fried Rice, you shouldn’t save it for Asian cuisine only: Because of its soft, moist texture, jasmine rice is a great choice for all-purpose rice.
Best alternatives are any type of medium- or long-grain brown rice.
GRAIN: SHORT, MEDIUM, AND LONG Grain BLACK “FORBIDDEN” RICE
Chinese heirloom black rice is infused with anthocyanins, the same plant pigments that give eggplants their gorgeous black or purplish hue. Unlike most other rice kinds, the flavour of the grains is rich, earthy, and entire. To add a pop of vibrant colour, try using black rice in sushi rolls, rice salads, and grain bowls.
Red rice or medium-grain brown rice are the best alternatives.
RED RICE (GRAIN: SHORT, MEDIUM, LONG)
Red rice is a native of several parts of the world and, depending on where it is grown, can have three various grain lengths: short, medium, and long. The grains are kept distinct and strong by their ruddy-hued bran coating, which also imparts a nutty, somewhat sweet flavour reminiscent of wild rice. Use red rice on its own in grain bowls, salads, pilafs, and soups, or try combining it with brown rice to add texture.
The best alternatives are black “forbidden” rice, brown rice with Calrose, and wild rice..
SHORT GRAIN BROWN SUSHI RICE
Sushi rice made with high starch has a very mild flavour and is sticky and soft. It is easily moulded for sushi and is frequently referred to as Japanese rice. Use it for risotto and rice pudding, or in any recipe that asks for short-grain rice, such as sushi.
The best alternatives are Calrose brown rice, black “forbidden” rice, and short-grain brown rice.
Choose the best rice for you from avion mart
Whole grain rice varieties contain bran and germ, which add extra fibre, protein, antioxidants, and some vitamins and minerals. Serve a variety of vegetables, meats, and heart-healthy fats to round out your dinner, regardless of the type of rice you choose to serve.