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How to choose rice?

This crop is widespread across the world and captivates with its variety of varieties. Paella, risotto, pilaf, sushi, puddings, porridges – there are numerous recipes where rice grains are used. Among Eastern cultures, they constitute a standalone dish rather than a side. How not to get confused when choosing the grains? Let’s delve into the article

This crop is widespread across the world and captivates with its variety of varieties. Paella, risotto, pilaf, sushi, puddings, porridges – there are numerous recipes where rice grains are used. Among Eastern cultures, they constitute a standalone dish rather than a side. How not to get confused when choosing the grains? Let’s delve into the article

What types of rice exists?

Around the world, approximately 10,000 subspecies of plants are cultivated, varying in grain shape and length. They undergo different processing methods: parboiling, milling, polishing, and breaking. Hence, producers assign intricate names to new categories. Let’s discuss popular varieties that can be found on store shelves. Based on the processing method, rice can be:

Polished rice

The kernels are rid of seed husks, becoming white and cooking in just 10-15 minutes. This type is even included in the diets of allergics as it loses its plant protein

Parboiled rice

Retains up to 80% of nutrients because it’s processed before polishing. It takes 20-25 minutes to cook

Unpolished rice

A whole-grain type from which only the outer husk is removed, rich in vitamins and minerals. It comes in brown, red, or black hues. Many appreciate its distinct taste and intense aroma

The last option is the healthiest among others, but it has a shorter shelf life due to its perishable husk. Moreover, it’s more expensive by around 5 rubles per half a kilo. Each type according to the GOST (Russian quality standards) can be of the first, second, or third grade due to color deviations or impurities

Rice is categorized by grain length into long, medium, and short-grain. Apart from grain length, it differs in cooking properties. Long-grain types remain separate or slightly sticky when cooked, while short-grain ones become more cohesive

Where does the crop grow?

The plant is native to Asia, but it grows in almost every corner of the globe. Rice is especially abundant in countries like Vietnam, China, India and Indonesia

The popular “Jasmine” and “Basmati” varieties are grown in Thailand and India respectively. Both possess unique fragrances of jasmine and nuts, absorb water well, stick together slightly when cooked, but maintain their shape. They can stand as standalone dishes or serve as sides to meat or fish. “Jasmine” rice is often used in Asian recipes like curries, tom yum, and desserts made with coconut milk

The white varieties from Italy and Spain are known as “Arborio” and “Valencia” respectively. They are used for making traditional risottos and paellas

The most unique ones are the black and red varieties. During their processing, only the outer husk is removed. The Central Asian “Devzira” rice is often counterfeited by altering its color using dyes. However, the authentic grain won’t leave any traces on your hands if you rub it

The term “black wild variety” refers to an entirely different plant – wild rice (Zizania aquatic), which grows in North America. It’s protein-rich but challenging to cultivate, hence its high cost

Unlike tropical regions, in the CIS countries, it’s not necessary to heavily treat rice fields with pesticides. Domestic varieties are fresher compared to imports, although they might be less diverse

How to determine the quality of grains?

When selecting grains for your recipe, avoid purchasing stale products. To find the best option, consider several characteristics:

Appearance

Choose grains in transparent packaging to assess their uniformity and cleanliness. Bright white spots within the main mass indicate improper storage. Even the label “select” doesn’t guarantee quality

Expiration date

Fresh grains retain more nutrients. Choose products with a recent manufacturing date

Absence of substitutes

Granules with a glossy shade are a sign of low quality. Such products are rich in unnecessary impurities. Husks and fragments of grain husks may be present in the package

After purchase, store the grains in an airtight plastic, glass, or ceramic container, protecting them from pests. Store it ideally at a temperature of 5-15°C (41-59°F). Keep the prepared dish in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. By following recommendations, you can store grains for up to 18 months, but for unpolished types, the shelf life doesn’t exceed a year

Rice is a source of complex carbohydrates and microelements regardless of the variety. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, E, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium. If budget isn’t a concern, treat yourself to exotic variants, but pay attention to the expiration date. Remember that classic polished white rice is also beneficial and tasty