types of rice

The most popular types of rice

There are many types of rice available in various parts of the world, some of which are famous and some that have not been heard of before. Below are the most important of these types, explaining their characteristics and places of distribution:

Black rice

Black rice has a number of characteristics, which are as follows:^[XNUMX]

• It includes a large number of varieties, the most important of which are Asian rice and African rice.
• It is distinguished by its different shape depending on the variety to which it belongs. Some are long-grained and some are short-grained.
• It contains a large amount of amylopectin; Which makes it very sticky when cooked.
• Its colors vary depending on the variety, including: Pink, red, brown, and dark black.
• It contains large amounts of antioxidant anthocyanins, which gives it its dark black color.
• Black rice is produced in Japan and China.
• Its flavor is earthy and nutty, similar to brown rice.

Basmati rice

Basmati rice is characterized by a set of characteristics, which are as follows:^[XNUMX]

• It is characterized by its long grain and its pointed and sharp ends.
• Its origin goes back to the Himalayas, and some of its types are grown in India, Pakistan, and some areas of the United States.
• It is served with many popular dishes in India, Thailand, and countries of South and East Asia.
• Available in white and brown.
• White rice is prepared by removing the outer husk and seed, leaving the white, starchy part. It is then aged for two years to dry it well and obtain its distinctive flavor and aroma.

Jasmine rice

Jasmine rice has a number of characteristics, which are as follows:^[XNUMX]

• It is characterized by its long grain and is known as Asian rice.
• It is native to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, and is consumed throughout the world, specifically in India, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Available in white, brown, and black.
• It is called scented rice due to its unique smell, which is similar to butter and popcorn, especially if it is fresh. However, it is called jasmine rice due to its color close to the color of the jasmine flower.
• It differs from basmati rice in that its texture is softer and more delicate, and its flavor is less strong.
• It is easy to cook and does not need to be soaked for a fairly long time.

brown rice

Brown rice has several features, the most important of which are the following:^[XNUMX]

• It is characterized by its great nutritional value and rich benefits, as it facilitates the digestion process and reduces the possibility of cancer and diabetes.
• It contains 3 main parts, which are; The bran or outer shell, the pulp, which is full of nutrients, and the starchy part, meaning it is a whole grain and does not contain any trans fats.
• It is grown all over the world, and most of its production is in China and the Americas.
• It is characterized by its softer texture than white rice and its brownish color.

Red rice

Red rice is characterized by several characteristics, the most important of which are the following:^[XNUMX]

• Its beans contain many health benefits, as a result of it containing anthocyanin, which also gives it its red color.
• It includes many types, including those without peels and some with peels.
• It contains antioxidants and magnesium that protect the body from diseases such as diabetes and asthma.
• It helps the body absorb oxygen and distribute it to the body's tissues.
• It is characterized by its short grain, its color between pink and burgundy, and its nutty and earthy flavour.^[XNUMX]
• It is grown in South Asia and the Himalayas.^[XNUMX]
• It has a chewy texture, and when cooked the grains stick together a little.^[XNUMX]

Rice de Valencia

De Valencia rice has several characteristics, including the following:^[XNUMX]

• The origin of this rice dates back to the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in the eighth century.
• It includes several species grown in the province of Valencia in Spain.
• It contains several layers rich in different elements. The peel is rich in silica and cellulose, and the layers of fiber and bran, which contain proteins, fats and vitamin B.
• It is prepared through several stages, the last of which is polishing, which gives the rice grains a bright, pearly white appearance.
• It includes several types, including: Bomba, Senia, Funza, Glyfa, and Albufera, which are similar in their shiny appearance, round shape, short to medium size, and very sticky texture when cooked, although they differ slightly in appearance.

Sushi rice

It is the rice used in preparing the famous sushi dishes, and its most important features are the following:^[XNUMX]

• This rice combines Japanese white rice and short-grain brown rice.
• It is cooked with vinegar, sugar, salt, and traditional sushi spices. It can be prepared at home or eaten in shops specializing in its preparation.
• It is characterized by being short-grained and very sticky. After cooking, it becomes lumpy and its grains stick together. It can also be made from medium- or long-grain rice, but it will be less sticky.^[XNUMX]

Wild rice

Wild rice has several characteristics, the most important of which are the following:^[XNUMX]

• It is characterized by its slightly rough texture, black color, and long grain.
• It is native to the Great Lakes region of North America, where it grows abundantly, and is found around waterways throughout the United States.
• It has a nutty flavour.
• It is an aquatic herb and grows near lakes and rivers.
• It takes a long time to cook due to the hardness of its grains.

American rice

American rice includes several types, each of which has its own characteristics, as follows:^[XNUMX]

• American jasmine rice

It is characterized by being a long-grain rice with a distinctive flavor. Its grains become moist, soft, and stick together when cooked. It is grown in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas.

• American basmati rice

Its grains are long and have a distinctive smell. With cooking, these grains increase in length and their thickness remains almost constant. They are spaced apart without clumping or clumping after cooking. Its flavor is reported to be nutty and delicious. It is grown in Arkansas, California, and Texas.

• American Arborio rice

It is a medium-grain rice that contains white dots in the middle of these grains. It contains a greater percentage of protein than other types. It is used in making desserts due to its creamy texture and ability to strongly absorb flavors. It is grown in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas.