Best Rice Cooker

Types, varieties and forms of rice

There are over 40,000 different varieties of world around the world. Needless to say that we can't name them all. We will discuss below some of the most popular varieties, types and forms of rice.

In the U.S., like in many western countries, this popular cereal can be subdivided into long, medium or short grain. The difference between the different varieties of rice is their subtle flavors and often their difference in texture. But on a nutritional point of view, most types of this popular cereal have the same nutritional values.

The long grain rice type
This type of cereal has a long and slender kernel (4-5x the width). The grains cook separate, has a hard consistency and feel light and fluffy. Best rice cooker : Yes

The medium grain rice type
This type of cereal is shorter than the long grain rice type. The kernel is also wider (2-3x the width). When cooked, this kind of rice feels more moist and tender than the long grain type. The grains have the tendency to stick slightly together, unlike the long grain type. Rice cooker : Yes, except for the arborio.

The short grain rice type
This type of grain can easily be recognized for its almost round kernel. When cooked, the grain are very soft and cling together. Best rice cooker : Yes

The waxy rice (also known as sweet, glutinous or sticky rice)
The waxy rice is a type of short grain rice. It has a very short and plump kernel, with a chalky white and opaque color. Unlike the other varieties of this popular cereal, the waxy or glutinous rice loses its shape when cooked and becomes very sticky or glutinous. In many Asian cultures, the waxy rice is eaten as is, often steamed in banana leaves, or ground into rice flour. Best rice cooker : Yes, but often also wrapped and steamed

The Aromatic rice
In all varieties, there is a natural compound that gives this popular cereal a nice aroma. However, in some varieties, this compound is found in much higher concentrations, giving the rice a strong scent and aroma. Aromatic rice is part of the medium to long grain type group and is one of the major types of rice available on the market. Some of the most popular varieties include : basmati (usually used in Indian cuisine), jasmine (usually used in Thai-Khmer-Vietnamese cuisine and perfect for your best rice cooker) and other US grown rice such as Texmati, Wehani and pecan rice. Best rice cooker : Yes

Arborio rice
The arborio rice is easily recognizable for the white dot at the center of the large grain. This cereal can be classified under medium grain rice and is primarily used in risotto. When cooked, this rice tends to develop a creamy texture and to asborb flavors. The arborio is usually not use in a best rice cooker, but is cooked over the stove, to allow the cereal to develop its creamy texture.

Wild rice
Wild rice is almost always sold as a dried whole grain. This variety of rice is very high in protein, in amino acid lysine and dietary fiber, and like all varieties of rice, low in fat. Wild rice is also a good source of minerals (potassium, phosphorus), and vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin). Because of its nutritional value and taste, wild rice has increased in popularity during the 20th century.

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