Rice

Rice is a cereal that is obtained from the plant Oryza sativa (commonly called rice or paddy). Its fruit is edible and is the basis of the diet of half the world's population.

Rice is the main cereal spread throughout the world. It is widely cultivated in the five continents, marshlands always warm and humid climate.

Nutritional Value

Rice contributes mainly carbohydrates, also rich in proteins and minerals

Most rice vitamins are lost during the process of refining and polishing.

Some studies have shown that consumption of rice with bran layer helps reduce blood cholesterol level.

Rice types
According to grain shape, find different varieties:

Long grain rice is widely used in Chinese and Indian cuisine and is the best selling in the United States.
Medium grain rice is the most used in Spanish cuisine. It is also used in Italian cooking for risotto.
Short grain rice is usually found in Japan, northern China and Korea, is the most used for the preparation of sushi.
Parboiled rice is the type preferred by consumers who prefer rice light that is passed or pasted. It also contains more nutrients than white rice. The drawback is that it requires a few minutes for cooking, and absorbs flavors worst accompanying ingredients.
Round grain rice is small and cooked very quickly, and contains a lot of starch so that it acquires a creamy texture.
Glutinous rice its main feature is that grains, after cooking, they stick to each other due to their high content of starch.
Aromatic rice is grown in Colombia and is long grain, is very special characteristic aroma. brown basmati and wild rice macro
Brown rice is wild rice, unhulled. It is considered more nutritious and rich in fiber, so it can act as a laxative. Instead white rice is very useful in case of diarrhea, for their high starch content.
Rice is an essential and fundamental ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine so there are many recipes, either as principal or as a side dish.

Curiosities

There are legends around rice and their association with fertility, even in our times has as usual throw rice at weddings, is proof of the importance that this cereal has been from ancient times to the present day.