Rice may be small, but it is a big deal! Rice is one of the world’s most important food crops. It provides energy and nutrients to billions of people and is a staple food in many cultures. You probably have a favorite way you like to eat rice. Read on and you may learn some news ways to enjoy rice!

What Is Rice?

Rice is a grain, just like wheat, oats, and corn. It comes in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Some rice is long and fluffy, while other types are short and sticky.

Rice grows on a plant that looks a little like tall grass. Farmers plant rice seeds in fields called rice paddies. These fields are often covered with a shallow layer of water while the rice grows. As the plants mature, they produce rice grains at the top. The outer layers of the grain are removed to make the rice we buy at the store.

Different Types of Rice

There are thousands of rice varieties, but here are a few you may know:

White rice – Soft, fluffy, and mild. It cooks quickly and goes well with almost anything.
Brown rice – Has more of the grain's outer layers, giving it a chewy texture and nutty flavor. Dig into this blog to learn more.
Parboiled (Converted) Rice: Rice that has been partially boiled in its husk before milling. It takes longer to cook, but the altered starches keep the grains firm, fluffy, and separate.
Instant Rice: Pre-cooked and dehydrated grains designed to be ready in minutes.
Basmati rice – A long-grain rice with a light, fluffy texture and a fragrant smell.
Jasmine rice – A soft, slightly sticky rice with a sweet, floral smell.
Arborio rice– A short, starchy rice often used to make creamy risotto.
Wild rice – Despite its name, wild rice is actually the seed of a different type of grass. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
Yellow rice – Not really a type of rice, pre-packaged yellow rice mixes are usually made from white rice mixed with added salt and spices. It has a bright yellow color and a savory flavor. Pre-packaged yellow rice mixes can be a quick and easy side dish. For a lower-sodium option, look for varieties labeled low sodiumor reduced sodium.

Why Is Rice Good for You?

Rice can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. It provides:

Carbohydrates, which give your brain and muscles energy
Proteinin small amounts
Important nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins
Brown rice has more fiber than white rice because it keeps more of the grain’s outer layers.

How Much Is a Serving?

A typical serving of cooked rice is about ½ cup. That is about the amount that fits in the palm of your hand. How much rice you need can vary from person to person, so it's okay to eat more or less depending on your hunger and your meal.

White Rice vs. Brown Rice

So, what's the difference?

Brown rice keeps more of the grain, including the bran and germ. This gives it a brown color, chewy texture, and nutty flavor. It also has more fiber.
White rice has the bran and germ removed, leaving mostly the soft inside of the grain. It has a lighter texture and cooks faster.

Both can be part of a healthy diet. The best choice is the one you enjoy and that fits your meal!

Cool Rice Facts

Think rice is boring? Think again!

There are more than 100,000 types of rice! They come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
Rice can be naturally purple, red, or black. These colors come from natural plant pigments the rice grain.
Rice can be turned into noodles, flour, and even milk. This tiny grain can be used to make many different foods.
Rice can pop!Some types of rice can puff up when heated, a little like popcorn.

10 Ways to Eat Rice

Rice is a blank canvas for all kinds of tasty meals. Try these ideas!

1. Rice & Veggie Bowl: Top rice with your favorite vegetables, beans or left-over meat, and a tasty sauce.

2. Ready in an Instant: Any of the instant, frozen, or ready to eat varieties of rice can help get a meal on the table in a hurry. Our Vegetable Gumbo Soup with Brown Rice recipe showcases instant brown rice.

3. Burrito Bowl: Add rice, beans, corn, salsa, avocado, and cheese for an easy meal. This Southwestern Style Rice Bowl will get you started.

3. Fried Rice: A long-time favorite recipe from our archives, Famous Fried Rice is faster and healthier than any you could get at a drive-through.

4. Dirty Rice and Black Eyed Peas: This savory dish is a Southern favorite.

5. Stir Fry Rice: Create a unique-to-you stir fry using your favorite protein, vegetables, and of course rice.

6. Cook Rice in the Slow Cooker: This recipe for Slow Cooker Rice and Peas frees you up to do other things while dinner cooks.

7. Enjoy Rice in a Soup: When the temperature drops, it is fun to re-visit favorite soups and to try new ones. Rice shines in this Jumpin’ Jambalaya Vegan Style soup.

8. Stuffed Peppers: Create a colorful meal with red, yellow, orange, or green Stuffed Peppers .

Mix rice with beans, vegetables, or meat and stuff it inside a bell pepper.

9. Rice Pudding: Turn cooked rice into a sweet treat with milk, cinnamon, and a little sugar using this recipe.

10. Chicken Divan: This filling rice dish is loaded with chicken, broccoli, and cheese. We bet everyone at the table will like it!

The Bottom Line

Rice may seem like a simple food, but there is much more to discover about it. Sometimes, learning about an everyday food can show us new ways of enjoying it. So, grab a spoon or chop sticks, and get creative. When it comes to rice, the possibilities are endless!