Rice is one of the most popular foods in the world and is cherished for its versatility. From being used in savoury dishes such as Biryani to desserts like Kheer, the list is endless. It is a common household grain that has been consumed for centuries, and for many people, it's a comfort food such as the iconic Dal Chawal.
Rice is a good source of carbs and other vitamins that help make a meal complete and provide you with the energy that helps you sustain yourself all day long. It is believed that there are around 1,20,000 different varieties of rice available around the world. Most of these varieties aren't widely used or are popular among the general consumer. In this article, we'll cover seven of the most popular rice varieties that are consumed across the world.
Arborio Rice
This variety is a short-grain rice that originated in the northern region of Italy. Arborio rice is loved for its creamy texture and the ability to absorb liquid in large amounts. The flavour of this variety could be described as nutty, and slightly sweet, with a creamy and chewy texture when it is cooked properly. Arborio rice is available throughout the world in regions such as Europe, Asia, and North America.
Basmati Rice
It is one of the most popular varieties of rice in the world. Immensely loved and consumed in Indian and Pakistani cuisine in dishes like Biryani and Kheer. Basmati rice has a long history of being traditionally harvested in the foothills of the Himalayas.
They are long and slim while having a nutty and light flavour that allows the spices and herbs to dominate the flavour, making them the perfect blank canvas. Basmati rice is also loved for its aroma, which can be considered floral in nature.
Koshihikari
This variety hails from Japan and was created in 1956 by crossing two strains of Nourin No.1 and Nourin No.22. In today's world, koshihikari is Japan's most grown rice, as well as the most consumed variety. The name 'Koshihikari' comes from the historic Koshi province of Japan, which means light.
The texture of this variety is extremely sticky and chewy while being soft as well. Because it is sticky, it is a favourite among Japanese, and its cuisine is then used to make traditional dishes such as sushi, onigiri, and other rice-based dishes. Along with Japan, koshihikari is also grown in Australia and the United States.
Black Rice/ Purple Rice
Black rice, which is a distinct variety due to its striking appearance, is also known as purple rice. Black rice is an umbrella term that includes many types of black rice, such as Indonesian black rice, Thai jasmine rice, and black paddy rice from Bangladesh.
This variety has a long history in China, where it is also called forbidden rice. The reason behind it was that it was only consumed by the Emperor as it was believed to boost longevity and health, but regular people were strictly banned from consuming black rice or the forbidden rice. Compared to other rice varieties, black rice requires more time to cook, and once it is done, its colour changes to purple.
Bomba Rice
A popular variety in Italy and Spain, bomba rice is a short-grain rice known for its lovely aroma. Just like arboria rice, bomba rice is greatly loved for its ability to soak up a great deal of liquid while holding its shape during the process. This ability of bomba rice makes it perfect for dishes like paella. Although they can absorb liquid, they don't become too creamy. Bomba rice is usually available in many parts of the world, but the Valencia region of Spain is where it is primarily grown.
Carnaroli
An Italian rice variety, carnaroli, is widely used while making risotto. It is smaller than arborio rice and is characterised as a short grain. It also has a high starch content.
Emiliano Carnaroli is the person who discovered this rice, which is a cross between the Lencino and Vialone Nano rice varieties in Italy, giving this variety its name. This variety is also referred to as 'caviar' or the 'king' of Italian rice due to its creamy texture and is used in popular Italian dishes such as risotto.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is an unprocessed long grain that has been used for millennia and is a good source of nourishment. It originated in India and China and is now popular throughout the world for its nutty flavour and chewy texture. It is a flexible component that can be used in a variety of dishes in place of your regular white rice and can be a terrific addition to any diet. It is a nutritious, tasty, and healthy option that can assist in enhancing overall health.