 Rice (English)
Chawal (Hindi)
Arisi (Tamil)
Rice is a symbol of life and fertility - hence the tradition of throwing rice at
weddings.
Most believe
the roots of rice come from India in 3000 BC.
Rice has been
part of the staple diet in several countries for thousands of years.
For centuries,
rice was a standard of wealth and was often used in place of money.
Even today,
rice is presented at the shrine as a gift to the gods.
Nutrition
experts recommend we eat at least three servings of whole-grain foods like rice
daily.
Rice is a grain
belonging to the grass family.
Rice is grown
in a water field called a paddy and needs humidity and sun to grow. Rice finds
most of its nutrients in water, so the plant does not remove nutrients from the
soil.
It measures 2-6
feet tall and has long, flat, pointy leaves and stalk-bearing flowers which
produce the grain.
The paddies of
rice change from green to golden yellow to the familiar pale honey color of
parched straw. These grains are known as rice, also known as "paddy"
rice.
The grains are
dried and with the process of milling the hull and various bran layers of kernel
are removed, and the rice is polished, giving the resulting seed a bright,
white, shiny coating.
Over 2000
varieties are cultivated world wide. One of the world famous rice is Basmati
Rice cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas in areas of high altitude.
Rice is
naturally fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free.
Rice is
consumed by nearly one-half the entire world population.
More than 1
billion people throughout the world are actively involved in growing rice.
50% of world's
rice is eaten within 8 miles of where it is grown.
Today, rice is
grown and harvested on every continent except Antarctica, where conditions make
its growth impossible.
Rice is the
first food a new Indian bride offers her husband.
Rice swells to
approximately 3 times the volume on cooking.
Vitamins:
Rice is the
major source of energy in the diet, it provides valuable quantities of minerals
as well as riboflavin and calcium.
Brown rice has
five times more Vitamin E and three times more magnesium.
Minerals:
Rice is a good
source of minerals. Rice is enriched with thiamine, niacin and iron. Brown rice is rich in
phosphorus which helps keep bones and teeth strong, and is essential for a
healthy body.
Non-allergenic:
Rice is one of
the few foods in the world which is entirely non-allergenic and gluten-free.
Digestion:
It is easily
digestible making it a good choice for infants and people with wheat allergies
or digestive problems. Whole-grain foods like Brown rice are important sources
of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Studies suggest that eating more
soluble fiber may reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Protein:
Rice is a fair
source of protein containing all eight essential amino acids.
Avoid boiling
in excess water most of the nutritional value will be lost. Flaked rice or
beaten rice is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins, retaining all the qualities
of rice. Otherwise steaming may be considered preferable as the nutritional
value is retained, along with the flavor, and the grains do not become
"mushy".
Weight
Reduction!:
In addition,
diets rich in fiber are greater in volume and take longer to chew. As a result,
high fiber diets may be more satisfying and may control food intake to help
weight management. Studies have shown modest weight losses in obese people who
increase their fiber intake.
No Expiry:
WHITE rice can
be kept indefinitely in a cool, dry area.
Cooked rice stays fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator, and can be frozen
for up to six months.
Rice may be
steamed, boiled, baked or fried eaten in breakfast, lunch, dinner or as anytime
snack.
Flaked rice
needs hardly any cooking but only soaking, it is ideal for instant snacks or
quick-fixes.
Try vegetable aval
uppma,tamarind aval from our recipe section.
Puffed rice (pori/bhel)
is another variation which is equally satiating and easy to consume and hence
popular.
Variety rice
spiced with different ingredients is a favorite dish in India.
Steamed rice can
be enjoyed with all kinds of curries.
Enjoy rice in
breakfast in several different ways - Try Try idly, dosa, uppma.
Rice flakes and
cereals are very healthy breakfasts.
Rice
payasam, sakari
pongal, akaradaisal are festival time delights. |
