The nutritious rice that can replace white and improve your health! Do you know parboiled rice? Did you know that Brazil currently has the most advanced parboiling technology in the world? It may be that you haven't identified it by name, but you've certainly eaten this rice without knowing it. It is more yellow than regular rice, but it only differs in appearance. When it's time to cook comes another difference… It's always loose! And do you know why? The word parboiled means “partially boiled”.

In fact, they take the rice with husk and, before husking and polishing, they subject the grains to a treatment with hot water. Just to clarify: The grain of rice is made up of husk, skin, germ and endosperm. Vitamins and minerals are concentrated in the skin and the germ. The endosperm basically contains starch. The action of water on the soluble components of the grain (water-soluble vitamins and mineral salts) causes their migration from the outer layer – where they are more concentrated – to the interior of the grain, making it richer from a nutritional point of view. Once transferred to the interior of the grain, the nutrients are fixed there through the gelatinization of the starch, by heat.

Hence the name hydrothermal process. No need to blow your mind with this technical explanation. In fact, what is very nice to know is that this type of rice, in addition to being very fluffy, has more nutrients than common polished rice.

Benefits of parboiled rice: – Rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins and minerals; – Naturally healthier, as no chemical compounds are added to the process; – When cooked, it is always loose; – Yields more in the pan; – Requires less oil in cooking (up to 50% less); – It can be reheated several times, maintaining its properties; – High degree of hygiene in the industrialization process; – Keeps for longer. Now, regular white rice (refined) is low in vitamins, minerals and fiber and high in carbohydrates (sugar). Prefer to eat parboiled or brown rice, which are more nutritious even though they have more calories. Take a little less and guarantee your health!