Here's What You Need to Know About Rice (And When to Use Which Kind)
Left to right: Short-Grain Brown, Wild Rice Blend, Basmati, Yellow, and Arborio
Photography by Christina Holmes
Short-Grain Brown Rice
Brown rice is less processed than white rice, giving the grain a nutty flavor and more fiber. Since starchy short-grain rice sticks together, you can eat it with chopsticks.
Try this recipe: Miso-Ginger Chicken & Rice
Photography by Christina Holmes
Wild Rice Blend
Despite its name, wild rice isn’t rice; it’s a grass. The earthy-tasting long black grains have a hearty texture but are hard to grow (and expensive), so they’re often sold mixed with other rices.
Try this recipe: Tuscan Rice Soup
Photography by Christina Holmes
Basmati Rice
This long-grain variety is light and fragrant and holds its shape, making it great for pilaf.
Try this recipe: Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Platter
Yellow Rice
Store-bought varieties of this Spanish and Cuban staple get their color from spices like turmeric and other ingredients.
Try this recipe: Chorizo Paella
Arborio Rice
The go-to for risotto, arborio rice has short, stout grains that are extra starchy—which gives risotto its creamy texture.
Try this recipe: Creamy Beet & Goat Cheese Risotto