BROWN RICE
INTRODUCTION Brown rice refers to rice that is almost completely intact. This means that it has not been polished and only the hull has been removed. The germ and bran of the rice remain, which is not the case in white rice. This makes brown rice a whole grain. According to the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and My Pyramid, the recommendation is to eat half our grains whole, or at least three servings a day of whole grains. Brown rice is considered a 100 percent whole grain food, and because of its mild nutty flavor and chewiness, it has become a popular
Medium Grain: This kernel of brown rice is about two to three
rice choice.
times longer than it is wide. These grains are moist and tender when cooked, but do have a tendency to stick together.
QUALITY & PURCHASE Brown rice is available pre-packaged, in both large and small quantities, and loose from bins. Purchase quality rice from a reputable source. Inspect rice for insects or discoloration prior to preparing for home storage. Do not buy rice with any visible signs of insect infestation. Like white rice, brown rice is classified in three main types according to its size and texture: long grain, medium grain, and short grain. Long Grain: Long grain rice is a slender kernel about three to four times longer than it is wide. Long grain brown rice, when cooked, is usually more light and fluffy than the other types, and is less sticky because the kernels stay more separated in cooking.
Short Grain: This type of brown rice has a short, almost round kernel, and looks a little plump. When cooked these grains are tender, but stick together, and are usually chewy. Specialty Rices: These are red, black, and purple rice. Each of these has a little different nutrient content and pigmentation, but all are very similar to brown rice in fiber. The general recommendation for the amount of grains to store is about 300 lbs of grains per person/year. Part of that grain recommendation is often rice. The one challenge for long-term storage of brown rice is the shelf life‌brown rice goes rancid quickly. (See Storage Conditions and Shelf Life Sections for more details.)
PACKAGING Packaging for brown rice varies, depending on the vendor. Grocery stores will typically carry the rice pre-packaged in
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GRAINS, LENTILS, & CORN STORAGE
