Everything You Should Know About Rice and its Suppliers

Everything You Should Know About Rice and its Suppliers

Rice is one of the most popular foods in India and across the globe. It is a staple in any kitchen of the country, and with multiple different types  it is the star of the show in countless number of recipes. Next time, when you think about adding the same type of rice to every recipe, think again, because replacing one type of rice with another can enhance the result of the recipe. Every type of rice has its own unique and distinctive taste, texture, and properties that work brilliantly with different cooking methods.

So, knowing which type of rice is the best to use in the correct recipe is of utmost importance. This guide will help you identify and differentiate between types of rice and identify the best suppliers who  export rice from India.

Anatomy of a Rice Grain

These are the anatomy terms of a rice grain that you should be familiar with,

  1. Hull– Every grain of rice is in an enclosed space which is the tough outer hull or husk. This husk needs to be removed before consumption, this layer is removed in all types of rice.
  2. Bran– The bran layer is present under the hull and is not removed in all types of rice. This section is filled with nutrition and tan in colour, but it can also be reddish or black depending on the pigmentation present in the bran layers.
  3. White Rice– after the removal of the bran and germ layers what remains is called white rice, also known as endosperm. This is the most commonly consumed part of the rice.
  4. Germ– The germ is found under the hull as is nutrient dense, packed with B vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It gives the rice its colour and nutritional benefits.

Different Types of Rice

Shape and Length

Rice is categorized into one of three varieties – short grain, medium grain, and long grain rice. These varieties of rice refer to the shape and length of the grain. The long grain rice looks long and cylindrical in shape., on the other hand short grain rice will look shorter and wider.

1. Short Grain Rice

This rice is short and wide, it used for popular dishes like sushi and has a texture that is sticky after being cooked.

2. Long Grain Rice

This rice is at least 4 times longer than it is wide it is fluffy, light, and separate after being cooked due to its starch composition.

Texture

 When you cook a rice dish you need to consider what texture you desire from the rice. The starch content in the rice is different in each type and dictates whether rice is light and fluffy or sticky.

Colour

Once harvesting is finished rice is naturally brown in colour, but removing the outer layer of bran gives it the white colour we are all familiar with, but according to the pigmentation in the bran the rice could be red, black, or purple. These coloured varieties of rice are only available without removing the bran layer, typically for visual appeal and nutritional value.

Aroma 

Aroma also plays a huge factor when cooking with rice. Some varieties of rice release sweet fragrances while being cooked.

1. Basmati Rice

Basmati is a long grain rice that is extremely popular among the Indian cuisine and gives a subtle popcorn like flavour or nutty aroma.

2. Jasmine Rice

This is a type of long grain rice with a slightly sticky texture after being cooked, you can use it to infuse a hint of jasmine flavour and aroma in your dish.

Top Tips To Consider When Searching For a Rice Supplier.

Firstly, you need to be sure about what kind of rice you need, this can be easily judged by finding answers to questions like, What type of rice is consumed in your country? What is the preference in grain size? What is the colour of rice they prefer?

1. Understand The Rice Import Law

If you are thinking to export rice from India or import it, you should know about the rice import laws of your location or country, as some countries have banned the importation of multiple rice brands. Some countries also have a limited quota on the amount of rice importation.

2. Check the Quality or Lab Analysis

Don’t make the mistake of trusting the claims of Indian rice supporters and order tons of rice bags on your first order. Instead, place a trial order and check if you like what the suppliers are providing. If you still have trouble try to get a lab analysis done.

3. Confirm the Type of Rice

You should know what type of rice is most commonly consumed in your country or area  before you even get into the business. For e.g. In India there is high demand for long grain basmati rice or short grain non basmati rice are economical and popular in Africa.

As a rice lover you would be surprised at how similar many types of rice look but have totally different flavour, aroma, textures,. From colour to taste, each type of rice has something unique about it. We hope this guide has helped you understand the different types of rice and what to look for in rice supplier.

 

 

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