From fragrant basmati to chewy wild rice, the world of rice is vast and flavorful. Here’s a guide to some popular varieties, their unique characteristics, and how to use them in cooking.

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1. Arborio

• Characteristics: Short- to medium-grain Italian rice with a creamy texture when cooked.
• Best Uses: Risotto, asopao, risi e bisi.

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2. Basmati

• Characteristics: Long-grain, aromatic, with dramatic elongation when cooked.
• Best Uses: Indian, Pakistani, and Mediterranean dishes like biryani and arroz con pollo.

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3. Black Rice

• Characteristics: Medium- or short-grain rice with black bran that turns purple when cooked.
• Best Use: Sweet sticky rice with coconut milk.

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4. Bomba (Valencia Rice)

• Characteristics: Short- to medium-grain Spanish rice that absorbs flavors well.
• Best Use: Paella.

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5. Brown Rice

• Characteristics: Whole-grain rice with a nutty flavor and fibrous bran layer.
• Best Uses: Nutritious substitute for white rice in any dish.

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6. Carolina Gold

• Characteristics: Golden-yellow long-grain rice with nutty, bread-like flavors.
• Best Uses: Porridge, pilau, jollof rice, and Southern low-country dishes.

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7. Glutinous (Sticky) Rice

• Characteristics: Sweet rice with 100% sticky starch, available in white or black varieties.
• Best Uses: Southeast Asian salads and desserts with coconut milk.

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8. Jasmine

• Characteristics: Aromatic, medium- to long-grain, tender and moist when cooked.
• Best Uses: Stir-fries, curries, fried rice, and rice soup.

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9. Parboiled Rice

• Characteristics: Steamed and milled rice that cooks firm and non-sticky.
• Best Uses: Dishes requiring separate grains, like pilafs.

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10. Red Rice

• Characteristics: Chewy short-grain rice with red bran.
• Best Uses: Salads, gumbo, or mixed with white rice for texture.

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11. Sushi Rice

• Characteristics: Short-grain, smooth, slightly sticky but with a bite.
• Best Uses: Sushi, rice bowls, and rice pudding.

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12. Wild Rice

• Characteristics: Dark, slender, chewy grass grains indigenous to North America.
• Best Uses: Stuffing, soups, and salads.

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Key Tips for Buying and Storing Rice

Buying Tips

• Arsenic Concerns: Rice absorbs arsenic from the soil. Basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan or Japanese rice tends to have lower levels.
• White Rice vs. Brown Rice: White rice contains less arsenic since the bran is removed.

Storage Tips

• White Rice: Store at room temperature with oxygen absorbers for up to 2 years.
• Brown, Red, and Black Rice: Always refrigerate or freeze to prevent rancidity.

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By experimenting with these rice varieties, you can raise your meals and explore the rich culinary traditions tied to this versatile grain.

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