Hi! Did you ever wonder why white rice is so popular compared with other varieties? This is because white rice is tummy-friendly and apart from that, it is packed with other essential vitamins and minerals needed for daily activities. But what is the best white rice brand? You’ll find out in this post.
Choose White
When we think about rice, the very first thing that comes into our minds is the soft, fluffy, fragrant white rice that is still smoking hot; we can partner it with almost any food we want to.
Restaurants also serve white rice and other white rice recipes, so why does white rice seem to be so famous when most people say it isn’t a good grain?
Well this is because white rice is the grain which has its bran and hull removed during the milling process and sold cheaper compared to others but most of its essential nutrients are gone before we can even eat.
However, white rice has tremendous benefits too! We all have learned from the previous posts that rice has different varieties and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are many types of white rice that we can cook on a daily basis such as:
- Basmati
- Jasmine
- Long-grain
- Regular long-grain
- Short-grain
- Parboiled
- Japonica
- And Aromatics
There is even organic white rice that is being sold in most groceries and Asian markets or even online.
White Rice Benefits
White rice is not bad at all; it has great benefits to our bodies if consumed properly. Remember, too much of everything can be dangerous too, so always, always eat in moderation or as prescribed by your dietitian.
Low Arsenic content
The controversial element called Arsenic which is the main culprit for giving rice a bad reputation is found to be lower in white rice especially Jasmine or Basmati as compared to brown rice which contains 80% arsenic on average.
White rice is common in most countries of South Asia and by tradition, people rinse off rice many times to remove the arsenic content.
Aids Digestion
White rice does not contain phytic acid which blocks the absorption of minerals this is why it is the perfect choice for people with digestive disorders.
Boosts Immune System
White rice is full of Manganese which helps boost our immune system and fights off possible diseases.
Enriched in Vitamins and Minerals
White rice is a very good source of vitamins and minerals such as: thiamine and niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, manganese, selenium, and iron.
How to Cook White Rice
Cooking white rice is so easy that you can learn it in just one sitting. Traditionally, you can cook rice in a pot or casserole but this method takes enough experience before you can perfect it.
However, you can make the same perfect steamed white rice in a rice cooker without the headaches.
Find out in this previous post the complete and detailed guides on how to use a rice cooker but if you want to have a quick view on how to make fluffy white rice, check out these steps on how to cook (short grain) white rice in a rice cooker:
- Wash rice in water.
- Rinse and put the rice inside the inner pot.
- Place it in the rice cooker and cook. If you have multifunction electric rice cooker then you can choose white rice option. See which rice cooker is the best for you.
- Gently flip and mix rice evenly using the rice spoon or spatula and serve!
Tip: The main secret to cooking white rice is the water level. Always make sure you follow the correct water level by using the markers on the inner pots or by measuring it on cups. For white rice, the water ratio is usually 1:1 or 1 cup rice is equals to 1 cup of water or you can refer to the instructions given by your white rice brand or rice cooker manuals.
List of Best White Rice Brand
Since we have already tackled why white rice is also a good grain, I have gathered and ranked the top 5 best white rice brands so you will have an idea which among the rice brands you see in the groceries are good to try!
Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice
Description:
- California short grain rice
- Rinse-free grain
- Popularly used in Japanese Restaurants
- All natural
- Raised in California
Grown in the fields of Montna Farms in Sacramento, California, this short-grain Japonica rice really captures the rich flavor of authentic Japanese rice and other rice recipes.
This rice is made from the combination of Koshihikari and Yumegokochi rice for its distinct rich flavor and unique texture.
Comment: Although a bit expensive, this brand has captured the taste buds of rice lovers especially for those craving for Japanese sticky rice, this brand has the closest texture and taste. Best used for dinner rice, sushi, and onigiri rice balls.
Royal White Basmati Rice
Description:
- 100% Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
- Authentic Basmati rice from the foothills of the Himalayas
This naturally aromatic and premium aged Basmati rice came all the way from the foothills of the Himalayas just to bring us this nature’s gift. This variety can be used for different rice recipes such as Biryani, Fried rice and, Pulav.
Comment: Quite expensive for a basmati rice but nonetheless the taste and aroma is authentic especially if you want to cook rice in traditional Indian and Persian methods.
Lotus Foods Organic Jasmine Rice, 25-Pound Bag
Description:
- Non-GMO Project Verifies
- 100% Organic rice grain
- Wheat-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Produced under SRI (System of Rice Intensification) “More Crop per Drop”
Local family farmers of Damrei Romeal Organic Rice Cooperatives in Takeo, grow and harvest this aromatic Jasmine rice under the SRI system which is considered to be more aromatic compared to the regularly grown Jasmine rice grains plus they yield more while following this method of ‘More Crop per Drop’.
Reviewed to be very tasty and really fragrant that makes this Lotus Foods Organic Jasmine Rice on the 3rd spot.
Comment: Expensive for a 25-pound bag but if you are looking for all-natural, all-organic rice then this is great for you.
Lundberg Organic Long Grain Rice
Description:
- Gluten-free
- USDA Organic
- NON-GMO Project Verified
- Kosher
- Vegan
The Lundberg Organic Long Grain Rice is one of Amazon’s top choices for grain products because of its real organic quality with 85% positive client reviews. Lundberg family maintains its name if producing healthy grains and products for everyone to enjoy.
Comment: This brand is consistent in providing quality and organic products especially for those who are sensitive to some processed grains. Though the price is quite higher than the regular white rice, the taste is excellent.
Nishiki Premium Rice, Medium Grain, 15-Pound Bag
Description:
- Raised in California
- 100% All natural
- Produced with Musenmai milling technology for Optimum rice quality
- Kosher
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Perfect for everyday cooking
Nishiki Premium Rice tops the 5 best white rice brands because of the overwhelming response from customers. Grown in California, this white rice brand are perfect for rice and other recipes such porridges and more.
A lot of reviews can attest that it is the perfect grain for Zojirushi rice cooker, which is also the best rice cooker brand.
Comment: This rice brand goes along with any rice recipes and cooking equipment without compromising its taste that is why people love Nishiki premium rice so much!
With the amazing feedbacks from consumers themselves, we cannot deny that Nishiki rice brand is really the star of all white rice brands out in the market today!
Takeaways
Rice in general is good for us; however, we only need to find which type of rice variety our bodies need. White rice is mostly good as long as we find the best type for us.
There is nothing wrong with the grain but what we need to know is where it came from, and how it has been processed, which are the important factors we should consider upon buying white rice. If we eat white rice everyday then choose only the organic and healthy brand.
I hope this post has helped you choose which among the best brands the better option is.