Different types of rice – what dishes are suitable for cooking.

“Rice is a very versatile grain. It can be eaten as a main dish, as a side dish or as a dessert. However, its types are different: some are stickier, others are bulkier. Buyers can choose from a wide range of rices. we offer, including round, oblong basmati rice. We also have more exceptional species, such as rice from the Camargue region in southern France, “says V. Juodkazienė.

According to the food expert, rice is mainly divided by grain size: it can be short, medium and long. Short rice is usually almost round. When cooked, they are sticky. The most popular short rice is the Arborio, round and the so-called sushi rice. Long rice, like Jasime and Basmati, is several times longer than short rice. When cooked, they are stronger and looser.

V. Juodkazienė advises to think about the dish you want to cook and choose the most suitable type of rice, as it will help to reveal a special flavor. It also analyzes the main characteristics of the rice species.

Arborio rice – is Italian short grain white rice. This type of rice is rich in a certain amount of starch, which makes it quite firm when cooked, it does not turn into mush. But together they are quite sticky. These rice dishes are the most suitable for making risottos. Arborio rice can also be used to make great desserts.

“Basmati”. These aromatic long grain rices are best suited for Indian, Middle Eastern and Central Asian cuisine. Basmati rice is grown mainly in India. This country is also called your homeland. However, this type of rice is so popular in the world that some countries, such as the United States, also grow it in abundance. Because basmati rice is bulky, it is especially suitable for making pilaf. Basmati is also often a side dish to curry and various stews.

Integral rice. They are sometimes called brown rice. They are very similar to white rice, but their husk is preserved during production. Brown rice has a denser texture and a nutty flavor. Brown rice is also more nutritious, has more fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, and iron. This type of rice is very versatile and can be combined with many dishes.

Jasmine rice. It is a long grain rice with a mild and somewhat sweet flavor. Jasmine rice is grown mainly in Southeast Asia. They are a key ingredient in many Thai dishes, as well as eaten alone. Jasmine rice has a slightly sticky texture when cooked, making it a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

Camargo rice. In the swampy region of southern France, rice has been cultivated since the 16th century. The mild climate and prevailing warm winds allow them to naturally protect them from disease. Up to 40 types of rice are grown in this region. It is said that the most delicious of this rice will be if you fry it in a pan with a little butter and oil before cooking.

Sushi rice. This type of short grain rice is an important part of Japanese cuisine. Cooked sushi rice becomes extremely sticky, making it easy to shape sushi with a variety of toppings. However, this type of rice can also be eaten as a side dish, especially with Asian dishes, as inexperienced diners will easily eat them with sticks.