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Chances are you have stood in front of the rice aisle in the grocery store trying to figure out which rice is best for your pilaf dish. Have no fear, we will make you a rice expert in no time!
Rice can be broadly classified by the shape and length of the grain, which is either long, medium, or short grain. It can be further categorized according to colour, texture, and aroma.
There are three general types of rice:
Did you know: Today there are many more varieties of rice available such as Thai long grain sticky rice or short-grain Japanese rice. Arborio rice is a popular medium-grained sticky rice used in Italian cooking to make risotto because when cooked it gets a creamy texture. You can select the type of rice according to how it is going to be used in your recipe.
Did you know: Wild rice is not really a rice, but the seed of a water grass. It is dark in colour and has a nutty flavour as well. It is generally available in stores and is paired with other varieties of rice in rice blends.
Rice can be different colours:
The starch content of the rice and how it is treated is what determines the texture your rice dish will be:
Did you know: Rice that is sold as quick or instant, is rice that has been pre-cooked and then dehydrated. This type of rice is super easy to prepare but produces rice lacking in quality and flavour.
Some rice also has a pleasant aroma which contributes to the dish you are making:
For best results, follow rice package instructions. If unavailable, use the following method:
1 cup Rice | Water or Broth | Cooking Time | Yield |
White, long-grain |
2 cups |
15 - 17 minutes |
3 cups |
White, short-grain |
1 1/2 cups |
15 - 17 minutes |
3 cups |
Brown |
2 - 2 1/2 cups |
45 - 50 minutes |
3 cups |
Converted or Parboiled |
2 - 2 1/2 cups |
20 - 25 minutes |
3 cups |
Wild |
3 cups |
45 - 55 minutes |
3 3/4 cups |
Instant, flavoured with seasoned mixes |
Follow package directions |
See package |
See package |
Should rice be rinsed before cooking? Unless otherwise stated on the rice package, it is not necessary to rinse rice. Rinsing the rice removes surface starch and other nutrients. However, if rice is bought in bulk, then rinsing is always recommended to ensure that surface debris and impurities, such as insects are removed before cooking.
For each cup of rice, add 2 tbsp of water or broth. Cover and heat over medium heat for 5 minutes or until rice is heated through.