Converted Rice

Converted rice is a type of brown rice that has been parboiled, and then re-dried. This helps in cooking it quicker than brown rice. Though it is brown rice, it tastes more like white rice. It is prepared by soaking long-grained, whole and un-husked rice in water, and then is parboiled. With this process, the nutrients from the husk, that are soluble in water, are transferred to the rice grains. Due to this process, the color of converted rice transforms to a beige color. Then, the rice is dried, the husk removed, and packaged to be sold.

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 this variety of rice.

• The amount of starch in converted rice is much lower as compared to white rice. Thus, those who are on a low-carb diet may safely consume this rice type in limited quantities.
• Being a rice variety that is somewhere in between brown rice and white rice, it's cooking time also varies from both. While it takes lesser time to cook than brown rice does, it takes slightly longer to cook than regular white rice.
• In appearance, converted rice is as fluffy as white rice when cooked, but its texture is different, and more appealing to those who have consumed it as against white or brown rice.
• As it contains several important nutrients from brown rice, and is richer in flavor than white rice, it is a great way to keep healthy, and also provide all this richness to kids who otherwise don't enjoy eating healthy brown 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, as well as a good source of vitamins.
• Another reason why converted rice is considered so healthy is because it is parboiled, or partially boiled. This means that several contaminating agents are eliminated from it while it is processed.
• Converted rice can be used as a substitute in your favorite rice recipes, for both, 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 cooking time, it is definitely a better alternative to white rice, so that 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. In essence, converted rice is not really raw, as it has already been parboiled. A recipe specifically calls for raw converted rice because there are several brands of cooked converted rice that can be used directly for a variety of rice preparations.

How to Cook Converted Rice

To cook converted rice, put a cup of the rice into 2 cups of boiling salted water. Allow it to boil, without covering it, till the water almost evaporates. This will take about 10 minutes. Then, reduce it to a simmer, and allow the rice to cook for another 15 minutes. It is now ready to be consumed, or used for another preparation.

Incorporate the benefits of converted rice into your diet, without having to make a drastic transformation from white rice to brown rice. This midway alternative is perfect for those who find it difficult to switch from a tasty rice variety to a healthier rice variety.