Rice is not the same as rice

There are rice varieties like sand on the sea. That is, almost. Around 120,000 are known worldwide. In our everyday life about a dozen play a role. In the Japanese we meet the sushi rice, in the supermarket are the most diverse varieties side by side: Basmati, jasmine, risotto, rice pudding and many more. Some are washed before cooking, others are not. All have in common that they are suitable for diet. But here too there are differences.

If we take a closer look at the cereal species, it is easy to distinguish between long grain, medium and round grain rice. The Long grain rice is narrow and of a hard consistency. The length is measured at 6 to 8 millimeters. To him belong the basmati rice or the fragrant jasmine rice, whose grains sometimes appear glassy by the polishing. After cooking, the goal is to have a loose, grainy, non-sticky rice on the plate or in the bowl. At the Short-grain rice as for paella or risotto, the grains with a diameter of 5 millimeters are slightly smaller. When preparing, they give off a lot of strength, stick together. They should not lose the bite. The Medium grain rice brings it to 5 to 6 millimeters. Cooked, its grains are soft and slightly sticky, such as black rice or mochi rice, which is used for rice cakes, for example.

Wash rice before cooking

Before cooking, the rice is washed in cold water in a bowl. The excess starch escapes and it does not stick together later. Good to see is the strength when you draw circles with your hands in the water. Now the water is clouding. After pouring, repeat the process once or twice until the water is clear. Some? the rice also with a sieve. For risotto, paella or milk rice it does not need this process, because he should be sticky later.


Rice helps reduce weight

Rice is largely carbohydrates. For the "no-carbohydrate diet"? (Low-carb) so it is definitely not. In addition to water and protein, it contains potassium, which dehydrates and purifies the body. To reduce weight, rice is a productive helper, as it contains only about half the calories of noodles, low in fat, and yet carbohydrates.

Calories refer to uncooked rice

When calculating calories on the package, make sure that the calories refer to the uncooked rice. The water intake from cooking makes the rice heavier, but that is why the calorie count does not increase. So, do not be alarmed if at 100 g on the nutritional table 420 kcal appear, with a bar of chocolate the rice is not comparable. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at different types of rice, as they differ in their fat content and energy intake.

Fiber in whole grain rice boosts digestion

Whole-grain rice contains significantly more vitamins, minerals and fiber than shelled white rice. The fiber stimulates intestinal activity. If you have not been eating wholegrain products for a long time, do not overdo it and start with small amounts, as flatulence or abdominal pain can quickly put the good food in the background. Rice is not just rice.

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