Types of rice and main varieties of rice
What is rice and how many types of rice are there?
The rice It is a truly basic food for millions of people around the world, since thousands of years ago. This wonderful and nutritious cereal is present in virtually every kitchen in the world, while in countries such as Japan, China or Indica stands out as the basis of the food of its citizens.
For this reason it is quite normal to discover that around 90% of the world's rice production is found in Asia, a continent where rice has been established as the basis of the food of billions of people. In fact, it is estimated that it was domesticated in China more than 8,500 years ago.
Rice consists basically of the seed obtained from the plantOryza sativa (plant from Asia), or from the plantOryza glaberrima(when this cereal comes from Africa).
Regarding the different types of rice, did you know that, in reality, there are more than 40,000 varieties of rice around the world? Of course, to divide the different varieties there are different classifications: subspecies, chemical composition, depending on the shape of the grain, according to the color of the grain and according to the industrial treatment that has been given.
The most popular varieties and types of rice
White rice
It is one of the most common rice, short or medium grain, is used in our kitchen, for example, in such well-known dishes as paella or rice with milk.
They are grains rich in starch They can also serve to prepare croquettes, soups or risottos among many other dishes.
However, the glutinous rice it has even more starch, and that is why its grains are used to prepare the famous and well-known sushi, as they get more stuck together.
The most cultivated varieties are rice and bay rice.
Wild rice
Although it may seem otherwise, it is not a rice in itself, but rather an aquatic plant from North America, and harvested by the Indians many years ago, which belongs to the Zizania family.
It is black and long grain, and in addition to having a greater number of proteins than rice, it requires more time to be cooked. For this reason it is usual to find it under the name of oatmeal water.
Integral rice
It is one of the healthiest and healthiest rices, especially for its important benefits, virtues and properties for the health itself of those who consume it.
This is because the Integral rice, of long or short grain, is one of the most natural rices, since only its external husk is extracted and a good part of the germ and bran is conserved.
As we will see later, it is a much more nutritious rice, containing few fats, an abundant amount of Vitamin E and B vitamins and fiber, as well as an important source of minerals, proteins and carbohydrates.
Long grain rice
Mainly there are different types, although the best known, as you surely know, are basmati, originally from the Himalayan regions and widely used in Indian cuisine.
It also highlights the jasmine, from Thailand. These two rices are cooked quickly, and have the particularity that their grains are loose.
It is common for these grains to measure 6 mm. from length to more, and are easily distinguishable because they tend to be thin and elongated. In fact, after adequate cooking, it is usually common for them to remain whole and not break.
More information | Rice cultivation This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.
