Rice Varieties - Which One Is Healthier for You?

Varieties of Rice

If you thought you knew everything there was to know about rice, then think again.  There are over 40,000 thousand different varieties of rice. Many varieties are made by combining two or more different types of rice to get a new rice variety. This new variety has the characteristics of both the original types of rice and new twist from the combinations. Some varieties began as more traditional types of rice and the characteristics have evolved through time and growing conditions.   Here are a few different types of rice and what they are used for.

Major Rice Categories

There are 7 major or general types of rice.  These categories are:

1. Long grain rice - Rice that has long slender kernels and when cooked swells more in length than width.  Long grain rice kernels are 4 to 5 times longer than they are wide and when cooked the kernels separate easily.
2. Medium grain rice - Medium grained rice is 2 to 3 times longer than it is wide. The rice still separates nicely, but tends to be somewhat more clingy than long grained.
3. Short grain rice - Is usually about as long as it is wide and when cooked it can be plumped, but does have a tendency for the kernels to cling together.
4. Waxy rice (sweet rice) - Waxy rice is short and has plump kernels of rice that are chalky white and have a tendency to lose shape when cooked.  This rice is often used as thickening in commercial products or to be used for dessert in Asian cooking.
5. Brown rice - Brown rice is rice that the hulls are left on (all white rice is polished brown rice). It has a slight nutty flavor and is chewy when cooked.  Brown rice contains more vitamins and minerals than white rice.
6. Wild rice - Are the seeds of various marsh grasses. Most wild rice sold comes from Canada or India.
7. Aromatic rice - This is any number of rices that come from all over the world and have distinct aromas and taste.

Here is a look at some of the specific types of rice from around the world and what dishes this rice may be used to create.

Rice Around the World (Not Quite) in 60 Seconds

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is an Italian short grain rice with a high starch content.  It is normally used to make risotto, a creamy rice dish with some chewy tidbits.  U.S. Arborio is a large medium grain rice with a distinctive white dot in the center that is also used in making risotto.

Red Rice

Versions of red rice come from various parts of the world.  The most well known of the red rice varieties comes from Bhutan France and is often cooked in water or bullion with mushrooms and served as side dish with vegetables, meats such as chicken or fish.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a long grain rice originated in Thailand.  It is often used to pair up with stir-fry dishes in Asian cuisines.  The U.S. Variety of Jasmine rice is a long grain rice that has a popcorn flavor and it too is used in Chinese stir-fry dishes.

Basmati Rice- Originated in India and Pakistan and is an aged rice used in a number of ways often served with spicy (curry) meat, fish, or vegetables.  U.S. Basmati rice is a cross between traditional Basmati rice and long grain rice.

You might be wondering which rice is best for you. The simple answer is brown rice which is packed with nutrients, fiber, bran oil and vitamins, just to name a few. If you want to take a step further, then GAGA rice is even better. GABA rice is a germinated brown rice with many times of the nutritional value than the plain brown and white rice.

From the Orient to India, from the Middle East to Italy, rice is a staple in most countries' diet.  Some of these countries eat rice on a daily basis and others only use it as an occasional side dish. It is one of the most consumed and familiar grains in the world.