Rice is a staple food in cultures around the world. Easy to prepare, versatile, and filling, rice comes in a wide variety of different textures. Every country has its own preferences when it comes to rice, and every variety has its unique benefits and features. At International Fresh Market, your local ethnic grocery store in Naperville, we love rice as an accompaniment to a hearty meal or as an addition to almost any recipe. We’ll cover a few global rice varieties and how they are used in different cuisines, so you can start your journey in the wonderful world of rice.
Short-Grain Rice: Sticky & Savory
Short-grain rice is sticky and savory, standing on its own as well as it pairs with other foods. Sushi rice is popular in Japan. This sticky, slightly sweet rice is perfect for molding and can be crafted in sushi rolls or incorporated into a rice bowl with protein and vegetables.
Arborio rice is most often found in Italy. With a high starch content and creamy consistency when cooked, arborio rice is ideal for risotto or other creamy rice dishes, mimicking the flavor and texture of cheese. Arborio rice is also excellent when made into rice pudding.
Medium-Grain Rice: Soft & Versatile
Medium-grain rice is soft and versatile, used across Spain, the United States, and Asia. Bomba rice, popular in Spain, is known for its ability to absorb a lot of liquid without becoming mushy or tacky. It is perfect in paella and other Spanish rice-based dishes.
Calrose rice is often found in Asia and the United States. This rice variety has a mild flavor and slightly sticky texture, ideal for inclusion in stir-fry dishes, pilafs, and poke bowls. Calrose rise also lasts well for leftovers and lends itself well to adding to soups and stews.
Long-Grain Rice: Light & Fluffy
Light and flavorful, long-grain rice is a staple across Thailand, India, and Pakistan. Opt for basmati rice when you want a pleasant, citrusy aroma and long, fluffy grains in your rice-based dishes. In India, basmati rice is used in biryani, curries, and pilafs.
Jasmine rice is soft and slightly sticky, with a fragrant scent that’s both comforting and appetizing. Jasmine rice can be used for almost anything but it is particularly popular in Thai curries, coconut rice, and stir-fries.
Specialty & Lesser-Known Rice Varieties
These specialty and lesser-known rice varieties are equally as delicious as their better-known cousins. Black rice, instantly recognizable for its charcoal-colored grains, has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy mouthfeel. It’s rich in antioxidants and can be used in desserts, salads, and rice bowls.
Wild rice is popular across North America. Nutty and earthy, wild rice is chewy, making it excellent for inclusion in soups and stews, since it can stand to be cooked or simmered for longer periods without becoming too soft. It’s also delicious in stuffing recipes and grain salads.
Visit Our Ethnic Grocery Store for High-Quality Rice and Pantry Staples
There are as many different kinds of rice as there are recipes. Every variety serves its own unique culinary purpose and has something to recommend it. Whether you love sticking with your tried and true favorite or experimenting with different varieties, International Fresh Market has you covered. A top ethnic grocery store in Naperville, we have dozens of rice varieties, from specialty and hard-to-find to the best quality and most popular jasmine rice brands.
Visit us in person to see our full selection or contact us to ask us questions about our in-stock products. We have everything you need to power your culinary adventures, from fresh fruit and produce to pantry staples and sweet treats!
