About Rice

Courtesy of the USA Rice Federation

Rice is the perfect foundation for today’s healthier eating. It is a nutrient-dense complex carbohydrate that supplies energy, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals and beneficial antioxidants. Rice combines well with other healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, poultry, beans and soy foods.

Nearly 88% of rice consumed in the U.S. is grown in the U.S. Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Missouri produce high-quality varieties of short, medium and long grain rice as well as specialty rices including jasmine, basmati, arborio, red aromatic and black japonica, among others.

There are many different varieties of rice available in the market. Your Aroma® Rice Cooker can cook any type perfectly every time. The following are the commonly available varieties of rice and their characteristics:

Long Grain Rice

This rice has a long, slender kernel three to four times longer than its width. Due to its starch composition, cooked grains are more separate, light and fluffy compared to medium or short grain rice. The majority of white rice is enriched to restore nutrients lost during processing.

Great for entrees and side dishes— rice bowls, stir-fries, salads and pilafs.

Medium Grain Rice

When compared to long grain rice, medium grain rice has a shorter, wider kernel that is two to three times longer than its width. Cooked grains are more moist and tender than long grain, and have a greater tendency to cling together. Great for entrees, sushi, risotto and rice puddings.

Short Grain Rice

Short grain rice has a short, plump, almost round kernel. Cooked grains are soft and cling together, yet remain separate and are somewhat chewy, with a slight springiness to the bite. Great for sushi, Asian dishes and desserts.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a 100% whole grain food that fits the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation to increase daily intake of whole grains. Brown rice contains the nutrient-dense bran and inner germ layer where many beneficial compounds are found. Brown rice is available in short, medium and long grain varieties and can be used interchangeably with enriched white rice.

Wild Rice

Wild rice is an aquatic grass grown in Minnesota and California and is a frequent addition to long grain rice pilafs and rice mixes. Its unique flavor, texture and rich dark color provide a delicious accent to rice dishes. Wild rice also makes a wonderful stuffing for poultry when cooked with broth and mixed with your favorite dried fruits.

For recipes and rice information visit the USA Rice Federation online at www.usarice.com/consumer.