Rice
Oryza sativa · Grain
13 varietiesTop 10 pairings
For more than half of humanity, rice is the staple food. Steamed, the starchy white grain is soft and mild and takes on the flavours around it; brown is nuttier, and jasmine and basmati smell of popcorn and pandan.
Picking a good onedrag
Sound dry grain, fragrant or cleanly neutralRancid crayon, or holed and webbed
Pantry standardEveryday bestRice takes up arsenic you can't see. Rinse it, cook it in plenty of water, then drain.
Smell at the open bagAlmost nothing, as white rice is
White or brown, whole or milledBrown, red or black: buy small
The grains themselvesA few chalky grains, broken tips
A handful through your fingersA little starchy powder, normal