Rice is one of the most consumed grains, not just in India but also in Asia along with many other parts of the world. It is mainly because other than wheat, rice is also cultivated abundantly and hence is consumed on a very large scale. Rice is an easily available and cost-effective meal option and hence is a very common staple diet in many parts of India. More importantly, rice is naturally very filling and satisfying to eat, it becomes a perfect base that goes with all kinds of lentils, vegetables and meats. Not just that, rice is very nutritious and is enriched with many minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and much more.
Across the globe, there are over 40,000 variants of rice available. Interestingly there are around 6000 varieties of rice cultivated in India alone. Each selection differs in colour, shape, and size and each has its own distinctive taste. Primarily varieties of rice are differentiated based on their colour. Some selections of rice include white which is the most common, other than that there is brown rice and black rice. One can also find green rice and even purple rice, though these are not very commonly seen.
Each of these rice variants has its own unique flavour, appearance, style of cooking and aroma. Let us have a look at some conventional and some exceptional rice varieties and their speciality.
The Classics: White Rice Royalty
Basmati Rice
We begin with the king himself, Basmati rice. This long-grained beauty hails from India, known for its delicate aroma and fluffy texture. Basmati translates to “the fragrant one,” and a whiff is enough to transport you to a land of exotic spices.
Fun fact: Basmati rice is aged for at least a year before being sold, allowing the flavours to mature and intensify.
Trivia time: Basmati rice expands more than twice its dry length when cooked, unlike other rice varieties.
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Jasmine Rice
Jasmine Rice, Basmati’s Thai cousin, boasts a subtle floral aroma and a slightly sticky texture. It’s the perfect canvas for absorbing the bold flavours of Southeast Asian curries.
Trivia alert: There are different varieties of jasmine rice, including white, brown, and black jasmine rice.
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Mogra Rice
The budget-friendly Basmati substitute, Mogra rice offers a similar long-grain experience with a slightly nuttier flavour. This crowd-pleaser shines in biryanis and pulaos, adding a touch of elegance without breaking the bank.
Trivia time: Despite being more affordable, Mogra rice offers a comparable texture and flavour profile to Basmati, making it a popular choice for everyday meals.
Sona Masuri Rice
The Gold of Masur lives up to its name with its pearly white grains and light, fluffy texture. This South Indian favourite is known for being easy to digest and low in calories, making it a perfect choice for the health-conscious.
Trivia alert: Sona Masuri rice is often called “Bangaru Theegalu” in Telugu, which means “Golden Ivy,” reflecting its value in South Indian households.
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Sushi Rice
When exploring Japanese cuisine, Sushi cannot be missed. The soft and sticky texture of the rice with its distinctive flavour is what enhances the taste of sushi. This rice is high in starch and is very sticky when cooked. It is ideal to be rolled along with its accompaniments in seaweed rolls. Essential for making sushi, this short-grain rice is sticky and sweet, perfect for rolling into seaweed wraps.
Trivia time: Sushi rice is seasoned with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it the signature flavour that complements raw fish and other sushi ingredients.
The Health Nut Brigade: Brown and Beyond
Brown Rice
The unpolished whole grain hero, Brown rice is packed with fibre, antioxidants, and all the good stuff nature intended. While its nutty flavour and slightly chewy texture might take some getting used to, brown rice is a nutritional powerhouse worth exploring.
Fun fact: Brown rice retains its bran and germ, making it more nutritious than its white counterpart.
Trivia alert: Brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice, meaning it causes a slower, more gradual increase in blood sugar levels.
Red Rice
Red rice gets its colour from anthocyanin, an antioxidant also found in blueberries. This heart-healthy option boasts a nutty flavour and a chewy texture, perfect for adding a pop of colour and a boost of nutrients to your meals.
Fun fact: Red rice was a staple food of the ancient Chinese, believed to promote longevity.
Trivia time: In Bhutan, red rice is a staple and is often paired with spicy and flavourful dishes, contributing to the country’s low incidence of certain chronic diseases.
Black Rice
Black rice, the mysterious prince of the rice world, is shrouded in a deep purple hue. This sticky rice variety is packed with antioxidants and boasts a slightly sweet, earthy flavour. Black rice is a star ingredient in Chinese dishes and adds a touch of drama to any plate.
Trivia alert: Black rice was once reserved for Chinese royalty and is often referred to as “Forbidden Rice.”
The Wildcard Bunch: Exotic Encounters
Purple Rice
Purple rice, also known as Korean black rice, combines the beauty of black rice with the convenience of medium-grain white rice. This vibrant purple variety offers a stunning visual appeal and is packed with antioxidants. Huekmi bap, anyone?
Fun fact: Known as “heukmi bap” in Korean, purple rice is a visually stunning and nutritious blend of white and black rice.
Trivia time: This rice blend is not only beautiful but also rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals in Korea.
Green Rice
Green rice is more commonly known as ‘Bamboo Rice’. As the name suggests, this rice is derived from bamboo, or more aptly it is actually a seed obtained from a flowering bamboo shoot towards the end of its lifespan. Understandably rice is very rare and has several health benefits. It is said to have a higher protein level than other rice varieties. This rice is also great for diabetics and helps reduce cholesterol levels.
Fun fact: Bamboo rice isn’t actually rice but seeds from a flowering bamboo at the end of its life cycle.
Trivia alert: In many cultures, bamboo rice is considered to have fertility-enhancing properties.
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So, the next time you reach for a bag of rice, remember – it’s not just a filler! Each variety offers a unique taste, texture, and set of health benefits. Explore the rainbow on your plate, experiment with different rice types, and discover a world of culinary possibilities. After all, variety is the spice of life, and with rice, it’s the grain of life!
Nice article never knew of so many varieties of rice.
Very informative article thanks 🙏 for your amazing work
Good summary on variety of rice. It is origin, appearance, taste and nutritional value of rice. I Appreciate this article 👌
I comment on “Black to Purple Rice” varieties to discover very nice and useful article 👍👌👍
Good infomation can use for healty life style
Had never heard of green bamboo seeds which are like rice. Thanks for the info.
Ya green Bamboo rice is new information for me , thanks for the info.