Description:

Scientific name: Oryza Dotata

Origin: Tropical Africa, South Africa and Madagascar

Color: Red, light red, dark red, light pink – red

Length: 3.07 – 4.01mm, Width: 1.05 – 2.01 mm

Flavor: Delicious earthy taste

Energy: 405 Kcal/cup

Key nutrients:

Iron (68.75%)

Carbohydrates (66.69%)

Zinc (30%)

Protein (14%)

Fat (14%)

Fiber (7.11%)

Potassium (5.45%)

Red rice is unpolished rice that has a higher nutritional value than white rice or even polished rice. The cooking time is relatively more than white rice and it has a more appealing and pleasant flavor. It is rich in fiber, Vitamin B1 & B2, iron and calcium. Because of the higher nutritional content and health benefits of red rice, it is recommended for heart patients as well as diabetics. Additionally, it is loved by health experts as well as fitness enthusiasts because of its high fiber content which helps in less weight gain.

Besides, it also has some health benefits containing antioxidants to fight free radicals, contains vitamin B6, can reduce high cholesterol, can help prevent heart disease, can lower sugar blood, reduces the risk of obesity, helps fight asthma, boosts antioxidant power, is good for your bone health, rich in fiber.

THE BEST WAY TO COOK RED RICE

1 cup whole grain red rice

Cook on the stove:

2 cups water/broth for unwashed rice

1/2 cup water/broth if soaking for at least 2 hours

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cooking oil

IMPORTANT: Whatever cup you use to measure rice will be the same cup you use to measure liquids

Rinse the rice several times with water to remove impurities. There won't be much starch because the rice is whole grain and unpolished. Drain excess water

Cook on the stove:

Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. Pour water into the pot and boil. When the water boils, add the rice and remaining ingredients. Stir well and bring to a boil again, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for another 45-50 minutes for unwashed rice and about 25-30 minutes for soaked rice or until rice is soft and fluffy.

Turn off the stove and let stand for 10 minutes before opening the lid. Then, open the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice. The rice is ready to be served

Cooking with a rice cooker:

Put the rice and remaining ingredients into the rice cooker. Agitation. Close the lid and if your rice cooker has an option to choose a setting, choose the brown rice setting or the multi-grain setting. When cooking is complete, wait 10 minutes before opening the lid to fluff the rice with a fork or rice spoon.