Types of Rice

Wild rice is a grass seed. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.
Since the gluten in wheat, rye, barley and some oat products make me sick, I eat a lot of rice. Before I overhauled my diet I thought "rice was rice." Little did I know there are many, many types of rice out there!

My favorite is whole grain brown rice. It has a nutty flavor, is packed with protein and is very filling. My husband prefers the sweet flavor of Jasmine rice.

Here is a list of common rice options that migrate beyond the classic pre-cooked instant white variety to try adding to your diet:

Arborio Rice: White, round kernels used to make risotto
Basmati Rice: White, sweet, great with sweet Asian and Indian foods
Brown Rice: Brown, chewy, it contains the whole grain, which contains magnesium and is healthier than white rice (which has the bran and germ removed)
Glutinous Rice: White, sticky, used in sushi and desserts
Pearl Rice: White, short grains, creamy when cooked, great for rice pudding
Wild Rice: Dark brown/black, chewy and slender, it's actually the seed of water grass plants!

What types of rice have you eaten?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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16 comments:

  1. I love rice. I can't abide white rice anymore though, unless it's in sushi.

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    1. I do too! It's inexpensive, healthy and filling! I probably eat rice too much! lol! ~Angela

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  2. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the taste of wild rice. I wish I was.

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    1. We were introduced to "good" wild rice on our honeymoon in northern Minnesota, on the Canada border. They put it in everything: pancakes, salads and side dishes! I'm not sure sure about the dried boxed stuff I can get locally at the grocery store! ~Angela

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  3. All rice is a grass seed. Wild rice is yummy! I'm trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge Blogs this month. My alphabet is at myqualityday.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Yes, all rice is a grass seed! Interestingly the water grasses that yield wild rice have a totally different composition than other rices. It's so slender, tender and longer than more common types of rice. When I first had real wild rice in Minnesota, I didn't think it was even rice! I'm glad you like it! I think it's an aquired taste and texture! :) ~Angela

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  4. I love my rice! Brown is my favorite too when I just want to eat rice...the flavor is delish. I love using basmati to make some of the middle eastern dishes that I adore. Wild rice is really good too, depending on what you have with it...did you notice that? Most rices are so versatile, but the wild rice really is fairly dish specific. One of my favorite things to eat and it might sound weird but here goes...a bed of basmati rice covered with chopped tomato and english cucumber, smothered with tahini and lemon juice. Yum :

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    1. Ohhh, that sounds fantastic!! I usually eat rice warm, but I assume this is a cold dish? ~Angela

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  5. I love a variety of different rices, although I haven't mastered the art of cooking it. If cooked properly, I've savored every rice I've ever tried, including wild and brown rice, but I still haven't managed to cook them right. But one day, hopefully soon, I will become a rice master! ;)

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    1. I cheat and use a rice cooker! Best bridal shower gift ever!! :) ~Angela

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  6. My fav is red. not sure the variety.

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    1. Hmm, I haven't seen red rice before. I'll have to keep my eyes open for it! Thanks! ~Angela

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  7. Wild rice is my very favorite :)

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  8. Wild rice is so good. Like that nutty taste.

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