When it comes to staple foods, none is better than rice. It can be used in savory meals, desserts, and even turned into drinks. It is beloved by many and is a part of some people’s daily meals.
Rice can be served with essentially anything and is particularly popular in Asia and Africa.
One of the main reasons for this is its versatility, rice can be found in a variety of colors, lengths, textures, and flavors.
In this article, we go into depth about the wonderful world of rice, as well as include a handy guide on how to cook some of the more common varieties found in your local grocery store.
You can go here for more information about rice and different grains.
What Is Rice?
Rice is actually the seed of a specific species of grass, most commonly the species Oryza sativa. They are typically grown in rice paddies where the fields are flooded in order to control weeds and pests.
They are a very adaptable crop, being able to be grown in a variety of conditions. This is proven by how they were initially domesticated in 3 separate countries, each with unique climates and cultivation processes.
Common rice varieties found in western countries are white and brown. They are the same species only brown rice hasn’t had the husk removed which gives it a subtly nutty flavor and a slightly higher nutritional value.
There are mainly 2 subspecies of rice, indica and japonica. Indica is usually a long and thin variety that doesn’t become sticky after cooking, some examples being basmati and jasmine. Japonica is usually a short and fat rice variety and turns sticky when cooked, some examples being sushi rice and risotto.
Different Varieties Of Rice
Below are some rice varieties you may find and their characteristics.
- Arborio – This is a short-grain rice that is white in color. It is typically used in risottos and is responsible for giving them their creamy texture.
- Basmati – This is a long-grain rice that is slightly aromatic. It looks slightly brown and cooks fluffy and not sticky. It is commonly served with biriyani and masalas.
- Calasparra – This is a short-grain white rice that isn’t sticky. This is different from other short-grain rice varieties so should not be used as a substitute. It is commonly used in paella due to its ability to absorb liquids and flavors.
- Glutinous rice – This is also known as sticky or sweet rice. It is a short-grain rice that is very sticky when cooked. It is mainly found in white but can also be brown or purple/black in color. It is used in a lot of sweet dishes like sticky rice and mango. Glutinous rice can be ground into flour to be used for a lot of desserts like mochi.
- Jasmine – This is long and white and is quite aromatic, the fresher it is the stronger the smell. It has a bit more of a bite to it compared to other rice. There are brown and red varieties of it. Jasmine rice is served with many Thai dishes.
- Sushi rice – As the name suggests, this is a short to medium-length white rice that is usually used in sushi. This is because it sticks together well.
- Wild rice – This is neither wild nor rice. It is from the grass genus Zizania, which is an aquatic grass. It has a chewy texture and good nutritional value.
How To Cook Rice
You are able to cook rice in a rice cooker, instant pot, or stovetop. Cooking times and water-to-rice ratios change depending on the type of rice. Below we have a basic guide on how to cook rice on the stovetop.
- Wash your rice before cooking to remove impurities and starch.
- Put in pot with water and bring to a boil on medium heat.
- Once boiling put on the lid and turn to low temperature.
- Cook for the allotted time.
- Take off the hob and leave with the lid on for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy.
Short grain – 1:1 ratio of rice to water, cook on the heat for 12 minutes
Medium grain – 1:1 ¼ ratio of rice to water, cook on the heat for 18 minutes
Long grain – 1:1 ¼ ratio of rice to water, cook on the heat for 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
No matter what meal you are having, there is a perfect rice variety to go along with it. It is the best food to pad out your diet.
