Rice is a staple food for a large part of the world’s population and a major source of carbohydrates. It is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa. Rice can be consumed in different forms and can be cooked in various ways. The most common types of rice include:
- White rice: The most widely consumed type of rice, it is milled and polished to remove the outer bran layer, germ, and some of the innermost bran layer, leaving only the starchy endosperm.
- Brown rice: It is less processed than white rice, so it retains more of the bran layer, germ, and some of the innermost bran layer. It has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture than white rice.
- Basmati rice: A long-grain, aromatic rice that is grown primarily in India and Pakistan. It has a nutty aroma and delicate flavor.