There are many types of rice on the market, the most common being pearl rice and fragrant sticky rice. Of course, different varieties of rice have slightly different flavors and nutritional values, and their prices will also vary. Which type of rice to choose depends on your personal taste. However, even the same type of rice can be of inferior or superior quality. So how can you select healthy rice?
Take a look:
First, check if the color of the rice grains is uniform, and if the color, size, and shape are consistent. This can help determine if different varieties of rice have been mixed. Generally, rice with a crystal-clear appearance has a good starch structure and a better texture, while less transparent rice may have a stickier texture and higher moisture content.
Give it a sniff:
Grab a handful of rice and smell it. New rice will have a natural fragrance of grain, while aged rice is more likely to have a "rancid" smell.
Shake it:
Cup a handful of rice and slowly let it fall, checking for broken grains or kernels that are not full. If you find any, it may be due to excessive processing or poor quality rice.
Rice also has a shelf life. It is best to buy no more than a two-month supply at a time. If stored for too long, its flavor and nutritional value will change.