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Different Varieties of Rice to Discover
Out of habit, we tend to always buy the same rice variety. However, there are several varieties of rice other than brown or white with different tastes and nutritional values. Here are some types of rice to add to your plate.
Black rice
Photo: “Riz Noir Oryza Sativa Beras Hitam”, cepris, ©
Black rice is considered a “superfood” because of its many benefits: it is rich in vitamins B and E, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Its taste is reminiscent of that of hazelnut. It originates from China, earning the name “forbidden rice” or “emperor’s rice” since only the emperor and his family were allowed to eat it. You will find this rice in Italian grocery stores, because in the Po plain of northern Italy they produce a variety called “riso Venere”, or Venus rice, very appreciated by foodies.
Arborio rice
A flagship product of Italian cuisine, arborio rice is mainly used to cook risottos because of its creamy texture. It is a rice with short and rounded grains which absorbs the broth well. Try one of our 20 simple and easy risotto recipes.
Basmati rice
Basmati rice is a long grain fragrant rice. Its name comes from Hindi which means “queen of fragrance”. If you find it, try its brown rice version, which cooks faster than regular brown, in addition to being more flavourful. We have over 35 delicious recipes with basmati rice.
Red rice
Red rice has nutty flavors and a rather firm texture. It is also very aromatic. Its red color comes from its content of anthocyanin, a natural pigment. It is rich in fiber, vitamin B6 and minerals.
Wild rice
Photo: “food, rice, brown rice, wholegrain, eating healthy, healthy food, wild rice, red camargue rice, grains, healthy”, pxfuel, CC0 1.0
Wild rice is different from other varieties because it comes from a seed of an aquatic plant found in North America. It has a crunchy texture and a light nutty taste. We invite you to discover it.
Try these recipes with wild rice and black rice:
Wild Rice Soup
Wild Rice Soup
Stir-Fry Vegetables and Shrimp with Black Rice
Stir-Fry Vegetables and Shrimp with Black Rice
Did you already know these rice types ? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or in the comments below!
Author
A graduate of the UQAM in Communication (digital media) and a connoisseur of culture in all its forms, Jeanne has been the social media community manager for SOSCuisine since 2016. She also collaborates on the creation of content for the blog. SOSCuisine helps her to shop and eat better every day.
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