WHITE RICE
INTRODUCTION White rice (a name given to milled raw rice that has had the hull, bran, and germ removed) is a popular commodity found on the shelves of many food storage programs. Once the milling is complete, the rice is then polished. You will often see the term “polished rice” associated with white rice as well. This process does alter the color, flavor, and even nutrition of the rice, but results in a bright white rice that stores better for a longer time. Because the nutrients have been altered, manufacturer’s in the United States are required by law to add nutrients back into the rice. This rice is then known as
Long Grain: Long grain polished rice is about three times
“enriched” white rice. By law, manufacturer’s must enrich with
longer than it is wide. After cooking, it is firm, fluffy, and
vitamins B1, B3, as well as mineral iron.
not sticky.
White rice is inexpensive, stores easily, is easy to prepare,
Medium Grain: Medium grain polished rice is between two
versatile, and well liked by most people. This makes it a great
and three times longer than it is wide. Cooked U.S. medium
food storage commodity.
grain rice is soft, moist, and sticky in texture.
The general recommendation for the amount of grain to store
Short Grain: Short grain rice is less than two times longer than
is about 300 lbs per person, per year. Part of that grain is often
it is wide. Short grain rice is very sticky and sometimes called
rice. Depending on personal preference, about 25 to 60 lbs of
sushi rice.
rice should be stored per person. Specialty Rices: These include Arborio, Basmati, Della or
QUALITY & PURCHASE Purchase quality rice grains from a trusted source. Inspect rice for insects or discoloration, prior to preparing for home storage. Do not buy rice with any visible signs of insect infestation.
Dellmont, Japanese premium, Jasmine, Toro, and Waxy. Analyses on which variety stores best have not been done.
PACKAGING Packaging for white rice varies, depending on the vendor. Grocery stores will typically carry the rice in plastic bags in
There are three main types of white rice in the United States:
weights up to 4 or 5 pounds. Many food storage suppliers (not
long, medium, and short grain. In addition, there are several
grocery stores) package rice in cans or well-sealed pouches,
types of specialty rice available.
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GRAINS, LENTILS, & CORN STORAGE
