converted rice
Converted Rice
Converted rice has emerged as a more nutritious choice for health conscious people. Here is everything that you need to know about this healthy option.
Converted rice is a type of brown rice that has been parboiled and then re-dried. This helps in cooking it quickly. It also tastes more like white rice. It is prepared by soaking long-grained, whole, and unhusked rice in water, and boiled partially. With this process, the nutrients from the husk are transferred to the rice grains. Due to this, the color of the rice becomes slightly beige. Then, it is dried, the husk is removed, and the converted rice is packed for sale.
Facts about Converted Rice
Converted or parboiled rice has some vital nutrients that makes it a healthy alternative to white rice. Here are some interesting facts about it:
- The amount of starch in this rice is much lower compared to white rice. Thus, those who are on a strict diet can consume this rice in limited quantities.
- Its cooking time also varies. The cooking time is lesser than brown rice and longer than white rice.
- In appearance, converted rice is as fluffy as white rice when cooked, but its texture is slightly different, and more appealing.
- It contains several important nutrients, and has a richer flavor than white rice. Converted rice contains nutrients such as magnesium and thiamine. It is an extremely good source of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins.
- Another reason why converted rice is considered healthy is because it is parboiled/partially boiled. This means that several contaminating agents are eliminated from it while processing.
- It can be used as a substitute in your favorite rice recipes that include white and brown rice in similar amounts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a converted rice substitute, you can choose to use any whole grain rice. Though this will take a longer preparation time, it is definitely a better alternative to white rice. This is because you can obtain all the essential nutrients present in it.
- When a recipe calls for raw or uncooked converted rice, it essentially means the use of this rice without following the normal cooking procedure. However, converted rice is not really raw, as it has already been parboiled. Whenever a recipe requires raw converted rice, it means that the rice can be used directly for the preparation.