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It’s hard to imagine a dish more unattractive than a bowl of cooked rice. However, if it were an aromatic rice from Thailand or a few flakes of green rice from Vietnam sautéed, things would change a lot. In the world there are 100.000 varieties of rice selected with culinary criteria. Gourmet rice represents 10% of world production. It is, so to speak, a luxury by its very nature. We take a tour of some of the most precious and exclusive varieties on the planet. And by the way we tell where to get them.
Wild rice
Native to the Great Lakes region, between Canada and the United States, this “rice” is not ricebut an aquatic plant. Be that as it may, the elongated, dark brown beans belonging to this variety are much richer in starch, protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, copper, and poorer in lipids than those of any other variety. It pairs well with game and mushrooms and may need up to 60 minutes to cook. It is one of the most expensive and exclusive rice dishes in the world. In Madrid and Barcelona you can buy it for 22.60 euros per kilo in the Casa Ruiz stores.
Jasmine rice
Aromatic rices are gourmet rices by their very nature. So that the rice has a natural scent So many factors come into play that many aromatic rices do not fit into any of the established categories. In addition, they have a very low yield and only a small part of the agricultural area is used for their cultivation. This explains why both in the Asian countries from which they come and abroad, these rices are precious and expensive. Jasmine rice is perhaps the king of aromatics: has a delicate aroma and is the perfect garnish for any spicy meat dish.
black rice
Black rice is very special for two reasons. The first, obviously, is its color ranging from dark brown to deep purple and black. They are even used as a natural coloring. The second is that being whole grain rice, they are rich in fiber and also contain many vitamins, iron, calcium and manganese. With good reason they are nicknamed “Black pearls” and one of its varieties, the jiegunuo, is also known as “Remedy for broken bones”. In ancient times, it seems, only the Emperor and his family had access to this gem. Hence its fame of “Forbidden rice”.
Red rice
Red is another gourmet rice which owes much to its unusual appearance and its health benefits. It is rich in iron and zinc and once cooked it becomes soft and crunchy at the same time and acquires a peculiar nutty flavor. It is especially apt to accompany any type of dish. Of course, before cooking it in plenty of water for about 20-30 minutes, you have to soak it for at least a couple of hours.
Pink rice
Although if you are looking for something really original and exotic, the pink rice is perhaps the most suitable choice. It is a rice of the variety Basmati “had” with beetroot and flavored with orange and Chinese sea buckthorn extracts. Originally from India and nicknamed “Rice of lovers” For its virtues, apparently, propitiatory of happiness and fertility, this rice is already liked by its smell. If it is then cooked for 20 minutes with a part of water and another of orange juice, the result (bittersweet) will be irresistible. In Spain, it is sold in Pepita & Grano stores for 13.20 euros per kilo.
Sweet rice
Sweet rice is a type of glutinous or sticky rice originating in Thailand, Cambodia and especially Laos, . Its round, milky-white grains are characterized by a high percentage of amylopectin. Once cooked, that is, they stick together until they become a moldable dough. Due to its flavor and texture, this variety of rice it is used a lot in sweet cooking. Mochi, Japanese rice cakes, are made with sticky rice.
Bomba rice
Not because he is familiar to us, Bomba rice it doesn’t deserve a place on this top list. Quite the opposite. First of all, it is a very old and very low yielding variety. Their round grains, whites and pearls are characterized by a high level of flavor absorption, something that makes them the essential ingredient for soupy rice dishes and, especially, for paella. During cooking, the beans remain loose and when cooled they become even tastier. They also endure overcooking. On Ruiz House, you can buy Bomba rice from the Albufera Natural Park for 5.25 euros per kilo.
Java rice
It is the name of a cosmetic, but also a very peculiar variety of rice. The java rice It is the only type of rice that is grown dry and not precisely in any place, but in the volcanic region of Tasikmalaja on the island of Java. It has an unrefined appearance, with grains ranging from ivory to reddish brown. It does not need to be soaked and is cooked in two parts of water for each part of rice for about 20 minutes. It is perfect as a garnish for dishes with an exotic touch and its price is close to 15 euros per kilo. It can also be found in stores of Nugget & Grain.
Carnaroli rice
A good risotto has to be creamy, but with the grains of rice loose and crisp. The Carnaroli rice is capable of working that magic and that is why it is called “King of risottos”. Its round grains endure cooking very well – up to 20 minutes – and are rich in amylose, the water-soluble component of starch. Acquerello’s superfine Carnaroli is one of the most exclusive rice dishes and appreciated by great chefs. A 500 gr vacuum can of Carnaroli aged (yes, aged) 7 years is around 10 euros.
Green rice
It is probably the most expensive and difficult variety of rice to find, in Nugget & Grain it sells for 19.50 per kilo. Its intense green color is due to the fact that the beans are plucked from the ears when they have not yet reached a sufficient degree of maturity, then they are roasted and crushed. It should not be cooked in water because it is sticky rice. Yes, it can be sautéed, fried, steamed or even in the microwave sprayed with a little oil. It is originally from Vietnam, where it is also eaten in coconut milk, and adds a crunchy touch to dishes. It can also be a somewhat eccentric alternative to popcorn.