Know your rice: The science behind parboiling

Despite what the name may suggest, parboiled rice isn’t actually pre-cooked. The process has everything to do with how the rice grains are separated from the hull and bran – and makes a world of difference in texture and nutritional value.

Normally, the first step in processing the freshly harvested rice is to remove the inedible hull, leaving behind brown rice. If the rice is put through the next step to remove the bran as well, it becomes white rice. But parboiled rice has an entirely different story.

After harvesting the highest quality long-grain rice we can find in the paddies of Thailand, Spekko soaks, steams and dries the whole grain – hull and all! Only after this process, do we remove the hull and bran. The steaming helps the rice absorb some of the nutrients locked away in the bran and hull. It also changes the starch so that the rice is firmer, fluffier and less sticky once it’s cooked. But, the steaming doesn’t actually pre-cook the rice, so it’ll still take about 20 minutes to cook.

This process means that Spekko Long Grain Parboiled Rice has all sorts of added benefits. The various nutrients present in the bran are driven into the grain, especially the B vitamins, thiamine and niacin. Health benefits can vary depending on the crop and how it was grown. That’s why we make sure to only source the very best grains. In terms of nutrition, our parboiled rice level up to be almost on par with brown rice: it has more fibre and a lower glycemic index. This means that it will release energy slower, making you feel fuller for longer.

Parboiled white rice should really be a staple in every household – it’s easy, nutritious and guaranteed to be light and fluffy every time. It’s one of our favourites, especially because just one cup of dry Spekko Long Grain Parboiled rice will transform into four cups when cooked. Here are some recipes to try featuring this healthy grain:

• Try the Vegetable Bake with Brinjals, Lentils and Rice or Burritos with Mexican Red Rice, Guacamole and Salsa for your next Meat Free Monday dinner.
• These Banana, Raisin and Rice Muffins are healthy, delicious additions to any lunchbox.