🍚 Rice Vocab
Rice names can describe the variety, grain length, aroma, texture, stickiness, color, processing method, or even the dish the rice is commonly used for. Long-grain varieties such as basmati usually cook into separate grains, while short-grain varieties often become softer and stickier. Brown rice and white rice describe how much of the grain has been milled away, while names such as parboiled describe processing. Other labels, including sushi rice and idli rice, tell you how the rice is commonly used. Learning these distinctions will make grocery labels and recipes much easier to understand.
🌸 Aromatic Long Grain
🇮🇳 Basmati Rice
long, slender, aromatic rice that usually cooks into separate grains
Example: The basmati rice stayed light and separate underneath the biryani.
🇫🇷 French: Riz basmati
🇩🇪 German: Basmati-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso basmati
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz basmati
💡 Nuance: Basmati is prized for its fragrance and long, separate grains. Compared with jasmine rice, it generally feels drier, firmer, and less clingy after cooking.
long, slender, aromatic rice that usually cooks into separate grains
Example: The basmati rice stayed light and separate underneath the biryani.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz basmati🇫🇷 French: Riz basmati
🇩🇪 German: Basmati-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso basmati
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz basmati
💡 Nuance: Basmati is prized for its fragrance and long, separate grains. Compared with jasmine rice, it generally feels drier, firmer, and less clingy after cooking.
🇹🇭 Jasmine Rice
fragrant long-grain rice with a soft texture and slight natural cling
Example: The jasmine rice was soft and fragrant beside the Thai curry.
🇫🇷 French: Riz jasmin
🇩🇪 German: Jasminreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso jasmine
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz jasmim
💡 Nuance: Jasmine and basmati are both aromatic long grains, but jasmine is usually softer and slightly stickier. It should not be confused with Japanese short-grain sushi rice.
fragrant long-grain rice with a soft texture and slight natural cling
Example: The jasmine rice was soft and fragrant beside the Thai curry.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz jazmín🇫🇷 French: Riz jasmin
🇩🇪 German: Jasminreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso jasmine
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz jasmim
💡 Nuance: Jasmine and basmati are both aromatic long grains, but jasmine is usually softer and slightly stickier. It should not be confused with Japanese short-grain sushi rice.
🇮🇹 Risotto Rice
🍚 Arborio Rice
Italian rice commonly used for risotto because it releases starch and becomes creamy
Example: She slowly added broth to the arborio rice while stirring the risotto.
🇫🇷 French: Riz arborio
🇩🇪 German: Arborio-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso Arborio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz arborio
💡 Nuance: The creamy texture of risotto comes largely from released starch, not necessarily from added cream. Arborio is widely available but can become softer than carnaroli if overcooked.
Italian rice commonly used for risotto because it releases starch and becomes creamy
Example: She slowly added broth to the arborio rice while stirring the risotto.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz arborio🇫🇷 French: Riz arborio
🇩🇪 German: Arborio-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso Arborio
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz arborio
💡 Nuance: The creamy texture of risotto comes largely from released starch, not necessarily from added cream. Arborio is widely available but can become softer than carnaroli if overcooked.
🥇 Carnaroli Rice
Italian risotto rice known for staying relatively firm while releasing plenty of starch
Example: The carnaroli risotto stayed creamy while the grains still had a firm center.
🇫🇷 French: Riz carnaroli
🇩🇪 German: Carnaroli-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso Carnaroli
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz carnaroli
💡 Nuance: Carnaroli is often favored for risotto because it keeps a firmer bite than arborio. In cooking, bite means a pleasant resistance rather than softness or mushiness.
Italian risotto rice known for staying relatively firm while releasing plenty of starch
Example: The carnaroli risotto stayed creamy while the grains still had a firm center.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz carnaroli🇫🇷 French: Riz carnaroli
🇩🇪 German: Carnaroli-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso Carnaroli
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz carnaroli
💡 Nuance: Carnaroli is often favored for risotto because it keeps a firmer bite than arborio. In cooking, bite means a pleasant resistance rather than softness or mushiness.
⚪ Vialone Nano
small Italian risotto rice that absorbs liquid readily and produces a creamy texture
Example: The vialone nano absorbed the broth quickly and produced a loose, creamy risotto.
🇫🇷 French: Vialone nano
🇩🇪 German: Vialone Nano
🇮🇹 Italian: Vialone nano
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Vialone nano
💡 Nuance: Vialone nano is another Italian risotto variety. It is often associated with a looser or more fluid risotto style than the firmer result cooks seek from carnaroli.
small Italian risotto rice that absorbs liquid readily and produces a creamy texture
Example: The vialone nano absorbed the broth quickly and produced a loose, creamy risotto.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Vialone nano🇫🇷 French: Vialone nano
🇩🇪 German: Vialone Nano
🇮🇹 Italian: Vialone nano
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Vialone nano
💡 Nuance: Vialone nano is another Italian risotto variety. It is often associated with a looser or more fluid risotto style than the firmer result cooks seek from carnaroli.
🇪🇸 Paella Rice
🥘 Bomba Rice
Spanish short-grain rice that absorbs flavorful liquid while remaining relatively firm
Example: The bomba rice absorbed the saffron broth without becoming mushy.
🇫🇷 French: Riz bomba
🇩🇪 German: Bomba-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso bomba
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz bomba
💡 Nuance: Bomba is associated with paella and other Spanish rice dishes. Unlike risotto rice, it is generally cooked without constant stirring because the goal is not to release starch into a creamy sauce.
Spanish short-grain rice that absorbs flavorful liquid while remaining relatively firm
Example: The bomba rice absorbed the saffron broth without becoming mushy.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz bomba🇫🇷 French: Riz bomba
🇩🇪 German: Bomba-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso bomba
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz bomba
💡 Nuance: Bomba is associated with paella and other Spanish rice dishes. Unlike risotto rice, it is generally cooked without constant stirring because the goal is not to release starch into a creamy sauce.
🟠 Valencia Rice
Spanish rice label associated with short-grain varieties used for paella and related dishes
Example: The grocery bag labeled Valencia rice was intended for paella.
🇫🇷 French: Riz de Valence
🇩🇪 German: Valencia-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso di Valencia
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz de Valência
💡 Nuance: Valencia can function as a regional or grocery label rather than one single universal variety. The important learner clue is that it is associated with Spanish rice dishes such as paella.
Spanish rice label associated with short-grain varieties used for paella and related dishes
Example: The grocery bag labeled Valencia rice was intended for paella.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz de Valencia🇫🇷 French: Riz de Valence
🇩🇪 German: Valencia-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso di Valencia
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz de Valência
💡 Nuance: Valencia can function as a regional or grocery label rather than one single universal variety. The important learner clue is that it is associated with Spanish rice dishes such as paella.
🏞️ Calasparra Rice
Spanish rice associated with the Calasparra region and valued for absorbing flavorful cooking liquid
Example: The calasparra rice absorbed the stock while keeping a firm texture.
🇫🇷 French: Riz de Calasparra
🇩🇪 German: Calasparra-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso di Calasparra
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz de Calasparra
💡 Nuance: Calasparra is a regional rice name. Like bomba, it is chosen for its ability to take on flavorful liquid without turning into a risotto-like cream.
Spanish rice associated with the Calasparra region and valued for absorbing flavorful cooking liquid
Example: The calasparra rice absorbed the stock while keeping a firm texture.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz de Calasparra🇫🇷 French: Riz de Calasparra
🇩🇪 German: Calasparra-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso di Calasparra
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz de Calasparra
💡 Nuance: Calasparra is a regional rice name. Like bomba, it is chosen for its ability to take on flavorful liquid without turning into a risotto-like cream.
🇯🇵 Japanese Short Grain
🍣 Sushi Rice
short-grain or similar Japanese-style rice that becomes tender and sticky enough for sushi
Example: She seasoned the cooked sushi rice with vinegar before making rolls.
🇫🇷 French: Riz à sushi
🇩🇪 German: Sushi-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso per sushi
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz para sushi
💡 Nuance: Sushi rice is mainly a use or grocery label. The cooked rice is seasoned for sushi, while named varieties such as koshihikari describe the grain itself.
short-grain or similar Japanese-style rice that becomes tender and sticky enough for sushi
Example: She seasoned the cooked sushi rice with vinegar before making rolls.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz para sushi🇫🇷 French: Riz à sushi
🇩🇪 German: Sushi-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso per sushi
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz para sushi
💡 Nuance: Sushi rice is mainly a use or grocery label. The cooked rice is seasoned for sushi, while named varieties such as koshihikari describe the grain itself.
⭐ Koshihikari Rice
well-known Japanese rice variety valued for its soft, sticky texture and mild sweetness
Example: The Japanese market sold bags of koshihikari for everyday meals and sushi.
🇫🇷 French: Koshihikari
🇩🇪 German: Koshihikari
🇮🇹 Italian: Koshihikari
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Koshihikari
💡 Nuance: Koshihikari is a variety name, not a cooking method. It may be used for sushi, but it is also eaten as ordinary table rice.
well-known Japanese rice variety valued for its soft, sticky texture and mild sweetness
Example: The Japanese market sold bags of koshihikari for everyday meals and sushi.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Koshihikari🇫🇷 French: Koshihikari
🇩🇪 German: Koshihikari
🇮🇹 Italian: Koshihikari
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Koshihikari
💡 Nuance: Koshihikari is a variety name, not a cooking method. It may be used for sushi, but it is also eaten as ordinary table rice.
🌾 Akitakomachi Rice
Japanese rice variety with a tender, slightly sticky texture and mild sweetness
Example: She chose akitakomachi as an alternative to koshihikari for the rice bowl.
🇫🇷 French: Akitakomachi
🇩🇪 German: Akitakomachi
🇮🇹 Italian: Akitakomachi
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Akitakomachi
💡 Nuance: Like koshihikari, akitakomachi is a named Japanese variety. The two may appear next to each other in Japanese grocery stores.
Japanese rice variety with a tender, slightly sticky texture and mild sweetness
Example: She chose akitakomachi as an alternative to koshihikari for the rice bowl.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Akitakomachi🇫🇷 French: Akitakomachi
🇩🇪 German: Akitakomachi
🇮🇹 Italian: Akitakomachi
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Akitakomachi
💡 Nuance: Like koshihikari, akitakomachi is a named Japanese variety. The two may appear next to each other in Japanese grocery stores.
🇺🇸 Calrose Rice
California medium-grain rice with a soft texture and moderate stickiness
Example: The cooked Calrose rice clung together enough for a rice bowl without becoming extremely sticky.
🇫🇷 French: Riz calrose
🇩🇪 German: Calrose-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso calrose
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz calrose
💡 Nuance: Calrose is medium-grain rather than long-grain. It is often used as an everyday rice and may sometimes substitute for Japanese-style short-grain rice.
California medium-grain rice with a soft texture and moderate stickiness
Example: The cooked Calrose rice clung together enough for a rice bowl without becoming extremely sticky.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz calrose🇫🇷 French: Riz calrose
🇩🇪 German: Calrose-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso calrose
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz calrose
💡 Nuance: Calrose is medium-grain rather than long-grain. It is often used as an everyday rice and may sometimes substitute for Japanese-style short-grain rice.
🍡 Sticky & Glutinous
🍡 Glutinous Rice
very sticky rice used in many East and Southeast Asian dishes and desserts
Example: The glutinous rice became dense and sticky after steaming.
🇫🇷 French: Riz gluant
🇩🇪 German: Klebreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso glutinoso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz glutinoso
💡 Nuance: Despite the name, glutinous rice does not contain wheat gluten. Here, glutinous refers to its glue-like sticky texture.
very sticky rice used in many East and Southeast Asian dishes and desserts
Example: The glutinous rice became dense and sticky after steaming.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz glutinoso🇫🇷 French: Riz gluant
🇩🇪 German: Klebreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso glutinoso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz glutinoso
💡 Nuance: Despite the name, glutinous rice does not contain wheat gluten. Here, glutinous refers to its glue-like sticky texture.
🤍 Sticky Rice
everyday English name commonly used for glutinous rice or very sticky cooked rice
Example: The mango sticky rice dessert used steamed glutinous rice with coconut milk.
🇫🇷 French: Riz collant
🇩🇪 German: Klebreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso appiccicoso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz pegajoso
💡 Nuance: On grocery labels, sticky rice often refers to glutinous rice. In casual conversation, however, people may also use the phrase loosely for other rice that clumps together.
everyday English name commonly used for glutinous rice or very sticky cooked rice
Example: The mango sticky rice dessert used steamed glutinous rice with coconut milk.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz pegajoso🇫🇷 French: Riz collant
🇩🇪 German: Klebreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso appiccicoso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz pegajoso
💡 Nuance: On grocery labels, sticky rice often refers to glutinous rice. In casual conversation, however, people may also use the phrase loosely for other rice that clumps together.
🖤 Sticky Black Rice
dark-colored glutinous rice with a chewy, sticky texture and mild natural sweetness
Example: The sticky black rice pudding turned deep purple as it cooked.
🇫🇷 French: Riz noir gluant
🇩🇪 German: Schwarzer Klebreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso nero glutinoso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz preto glutinoso
💡 Nuance: The important combination is dark color + glutinous texture. Ordinary black rice may be chewy and nutty without being as sticky.
dark-colored glutinous rice with a chewy, sticky texture and mild natural sweetness
Example: The sticky black rice pudding turned deep purple as it cooked.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz negro glutinoso🇫🇷 French: Riz noir gluant
🇩🇪 German: Schwarzer Klebreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso nero glutinoso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz preto glutinoso
💡 Nuance: The important combination is dark color + glutinous texture. Ordinary black rice may be chewy and nutty without being as sticky.
🎨 Color & Whole Grain
🤍 White Rice
rice that has been milled so the bran and germ are removed
Example: The white basmati cooked faster than the brown basmati from the same shelf.
🇫🇷 French: Riz blanc
🇩🇪 German: Weißer Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso bianco
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz branco
💡 Nuance: White rice describes a milling stage, not one variety. Basmati, jasmine, and many other rice varieties can all be sold as white rice.
rice that has been milled so the bran and germ are removed
Example: The white basmati cooked faster than the brown basmati from the same shelf.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz blanco🇫🇷 French: Riz blanc
🇩🇪 German: Weißer Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso bianco
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz branco
💡 Nuance: White rice describes a milling stage, not one variety. Basmati, jasmine, and many other rice varieties can all be sold as white rice.
🤎 Brown Rice
whole-grain rice that keeps its bran layer and germ
Example: The brown rice took longer to cook and had a chewier, nuttier texture.
🇫🇷 French: Riz complet / riz brun
🇩🇪 German: Naturreis / Vollkornreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso integrale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz integral
💡 Nuance: Brown describes processing, not origin. You can buy brown basmati, brown jasmine, and other varieties in whole-grain form.
whole-grain rice that keeps its bran layer and germ
Example: The brown rice took longer to cook and had a chewier, nuttier texture.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz integral🇫🇷 French: Riz complet / riz brun
🇩🇪 German: Naturreis / Vollkornreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso integrale
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz integral
💡 Nuance: Brown describes processing, not origin. You can buy brown basmati, brown jasmine, and other varieties in whole-grain form.
⚫ Black Rice
naturally dark rice with a firm texture and often a mildly nutty flavor
Example: The black rice turned a deep purple color as it cooked.
🇫🇷 French: Riz noir
🇩🇪 German: Schwarzer Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso nero
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz preto
💡 Nuance: Black rice is primarily a color-based category. Some black rice is glutinous, but not all black rice has the extremely sticky texture of sticky black rice.
naturally dark rice with a firm texture and often a mildly nutty flavor
Example: The black rice turned a deep purple color as it cooked.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz negro🇫🇷 French: Riz noir
🇩🇪 German: Schwarzer Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso nero
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz preto
💡 Nuance: Black rice is primarily a color-based category. Some black rice is glutinous, but not all black rice has the extremely sticky texture of sticky black rice.
🚫 Forbidden Rice
traditional or marketing name used for certain varieties of black rice
Example: The package said forbidden rice, and the grains cooked to a dark purple-black color.
🇫🇷 French: Riz interdit
🇩🇪 German: Verbotener Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso proibito
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz proibido
💡 Nuance: Forbidden rice is not a cooking technique. It is a name associated with some black-rice varieties.
traditional or marketing name used for certain varieties of black rice
Example: The package said forbidden rice, and the grains cooked to a dark purple-black color.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz prohibido🇫🇷 French: Riz interdit
🇩🇪 German: Verbotener Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso proibito
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz proibido
💡 Nuance: Forbidden rice is not a cooking technique. It is a name associated with some black-rice varieties.
❤️ Red Rice
rice with naturally reddish bran and a firm, earthy flavor
Example: The red rice had a chewy texture and a stronger flavor than ordinary white rice.
🇫🇷 French: Riz rouge
🇩🇪 German: Roter Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso rosso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz vermelho
💡 Nuance: Red rice is another broad color category. Specific varieties such as Matta rice or Wehani may also have reddish or reddish-brown coloring.
rice with naturally reddish bran and a firm, earthy flavor
Example: The red rice had a chewy texture and a stronger flavor than ordinary white rice.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz rojo🇫🇷 French: Riz rouge
🇩🇪 German: Roter Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso rosso
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz vermelho
💡 Nuance: Red rice is another broad color category. Specific varieties such as Matta rice or Wehani may also have reddish or reddish-brown coloring.
🟣 Purple Rice
naturally dark rice that appears purple or violet, especially after cooking
Example: The purple rice became darker and more violet as it steamed.
🇫🇷 French: Riz violet
🇩🇪 German: Lila Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso viola
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz roxo
💡 Nuance: Purple rice and black rice labels can overlap because some dark grains turn purple when cooked. The exact label may depend on the variety or seller.
naturally dark rice that appears purple or violet, especially after cooking
Example: The purple rice became darker and more violet as it steamed.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz morado🇫🇷 French: Riz violet
🇩🇪 German: Lila Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso viola
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz roxo
💡 Nuance: Purple rice and black rice labels can overlap because some dark grains turn purple when cooked. The exact label may depend on the variety or seller.
🔶 Wehani Rice
aromatic reddish-brown rice with a firm, chewy texture
Example: The Wehani rice had a fragrant aroma and chewy whole-grain texture.
🇫🇷 French: Riz wehani
🇩🇪 German: Wehani-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso wehani
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz wehani
💡 Nuance: Wehani is a named rice type rather than a general word for all red rice. Its reddish-brown color and aroma are useful identifying clues.
aromatic reddish-brown rice with a firm, chewy texture
Example: The Wehani rice had a fragrant aroma and chewy whole-grain texture.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz wehani🇫🇷 French: Riz wehani
🇩🇪 German: Wehani-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso wehani
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz wehani
💡 Nuance: Wehani is a named rice type rather than a general word for all red rice. Its reddish-brown color and aroma are useful identifying clues.
🌾 Wild Rice
long dark edible seeds from aquatic grasses rather than true rice plants
Example: The wild rice added chewy dark grains to the rice blend.
🇫🇷 French: Riz sauvage
🇩🇪 German: Wildreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso selvatico
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz selvagem
💡 Nuance: Despite its English name, wild rice is botanically different from true rice. It is often sold by itself or mixed into rice blends.
long dark edible seeds from aquatic grasses rather than true rice plants
Example: The wild rice added chewy dark grains to the rice blend.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz salvaje🇫🇷 French: Riz sauvage
🇩🇪 German: Wildreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso selvatico
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz selvagem
💡 Nuance: Despite its English name, wild rice is botanically different from true rice. It is often sold by itself or mixed into rice blends.
🏭 Processed & South Indian
♨️ Parboiled Rice
rice processed with heat and moisture before milling so the cooked grains remain relatively firm and separate
Example: The parboiled rice stayed separate even after sitting in the serving tray.
🇫🇷 French: Riz étuvé
🇩🇪 German: Parboiled-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso parboiled
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz parboilizado
💡 Nuance: Parboiled describes processing rather than a rice variety. The term converted rice is another label for the same general process.
rice processed with heat and moisture before milling so the cooked grains remain relatively firm and separate
Example: The parboiled rice stayed separate even after sitting in the serving tray.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz parboiled / vaporizado🇫🇷 French: Riz étuvé
🇩🇪 German: Parboiled-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso parboiled
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz parboilizado
💡 Nuance: Parboiled describes processing rather than a rice variety. The term converted rice is another label for the same general process.
📦 Converted Rice
another grocery term for rice that has been parboiled before milling
Example: The American recipe called for converted rice, so she bought parboiled rice.
🇫🇷 French: Riz converti
🇩🇪 German: Converted Rice
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso convertito
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz convertido
💡 Nuance: Converted rice is especially useful as a North American grocery term. It refers to processing, not to one specific grain variety.
another grocery term for rice that has been parboiled before milling
Example: The American recipe called for converted rice, so she bought parboiled rice.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz convertido🇫🇷 French: Riz converti
🇩🇪 German: Converted Rice
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso convertito
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz convertido
💡 Nuance: Converted rice is especially useful as a North American grocery term. It refers to processing, not to one specific grain variety.
🧩 Broken Rice
rice grains that have broken into smaller pieces during milling or handling
Example: The Vietnamese restaurant served grilled pork over broken rice.
🇫🇷 French: Riz brisé
🇩🇪 German: Bruchreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso spezzato
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz quebrado
💡 Nuance: Broken rice describes the size of the grain pieces, not a separate plant variety. Smaller pieces often cook faster and may create a softer texture.
rice grains that have broken into smaller pieces during milling or handling
Example: The Vietnamese restaurant served grilled pork over broken rice.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz partido🇫🇷 French: Riz brisé
🇩🇪 German: Bruchreis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso spezzato
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz quebrado
💡 Nuance: Broken rice describes the size of the grain pieces, not a separate plant variety. Smaller pieces often cook faster and may create a softer texture.
🇮🇳 Ponni Rice
South Indian rice commonly used as an everyday table rice
Example: The family served Ponni rice with sambar and vegetable curry.
🇫🇷 French: Riz ponni
🇩🇪 German: Ponni-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso ponni
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz ponni
💡 Nuance: Ponni is associated with South Indian everyday cooking rather than the long, highly aromatic style of basmati.
South Indian rice commonly used as an everyday table rice
Example: The family served Ponni rice with sambar and vegetable curry.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz ponni🇫🇷 French: Riz ponni
🇩🇪 German: Ponni-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso ponni
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz ponni
💡 Nuance: Ponni is associated with South Indian everyday cooking rather than the long, highly aromatic style of basmati.
💛 Sona Masuri Rice
medium-grain Indian rice with a relatively light texture and mild flavor
Example: She cooked sona masuri for an everyday lunch of rice, dal, and vegetables.
🇫🇷 French: Sona masuri
🇩🇪 German: Sona Masuri
🇮🇹 Italian: Sona masuri
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Sona masuri
💡 Nuance: Sona masuri is commonly associated with everyday South Indian meals. It is generally less aromatic and less elongated than basmati.
medium-grain Indian rice with a relatively light texture and mild flavor
Example: She cooked sona masuri for an everyday lunch of rice, dal, and vegetables.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Sona masuri🇫🇷 French: Sona masuri
🇩🇪 German: Sona Masuri
🇮🇹 Italian: Sona masuri
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Sona masuri
💡 Nuance: Sona masuri is commonly associated with everyday South Indian meals. It is generally less aromatic and less elongated than basmati.
❤️ Matta Rice
distinctive red-husked rice associated with Kerala in southern India
Example: The matta rice had a robust texture beside the Kerala fish curry.
🇫🇷 French: Riz matta
🇩🇪 German: Matta-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso matta
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz matta
💡 Nuance: Matta is also called Kerala red rice. It is a specific regional rice, whereas red rice is the broader color category.
distinctive red-husked rice associated with Kerala in southern India
Example: The matta rice had a robust texture beside the Kerala fish curry.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz matta🇫🇷 French: Riz matta
🇩🇪 German: Matta-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso matta
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz matta
💡 Nuance: Matta is also called Kerala red rice. It is a specific regional rice, whereas red rice is the broader color category.
🫓 Idli Rice
rice sold specifically for soaking, grinding, and fermenting into idli or dosa batter
Example: She soaked the idli rice with urad dal before grinding the batter.
🇫🇷 French: Riz à idli
🇩🇪 German: Idli-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso per idli
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz para idli
💡 Nuance: Idli rice is mainly a use label. It tells you what the rice is intended for rather than naming the steamed idli itself.
rice sold specifically for soaking, grinding, and fermenting into idli or dosa batter
Example: She soaked the idli rice with urad dal before grinding the batter.
Show translations
🇪🇸 Spanish: Arroz para idli🇫🇷 French: Riz à idli
🇩🇪 German: Idli-Reis
🇮🇹 Italian: Riso per idli
🇵🇹 Portuguese: Arroz para idli
💡 Nuance: Idli rice is mainly a use label. It tells you what the rice is intended for rather than naming the steamed idli itself.
🧠 Useful Distinctions
🇮🇳 Basmati vs. 🇹🇭 Jasmine
Both are fragrant long-grain rices. Basmati generally cooks into drier, more separate grains. Jasmine is softer and slightly more clingy.
Both are fragrant long-grain rices. Basmati generally cooks into drier, more separate grains. Jasmine is softer and slightly more clingy.
🍚 Arborio vs. 🥇 Carnaroli vs. 🥘 Bomba
Arborio and carnaroli are Italian risotto rices that release starch as they are stirred with broth. Bomba is associated with paella, where the rice absorbs flavorful liquid without being stirred into a creamy consistency.
Arborio and carnaroli are Italian risotto rices that release starch as they are stirred with broth. Bomba is associated with paella, where the rice absorbs flavorful liquid without being stirred into a creamy consistency.
🍣 Sushi Rice vs. 🍡 Glutinous Rice
Sushi rice is sticky Japanese-style rice seasoned for sushi. Glutinous rice is an even stickier rice family commonly used in dishes and desserts across East and Southeast Asia. Glutinous rice does not contain gluten.
Sushi rice is sticky Japanese-style rice seasoned for sushi. Glutinous rice is an even stickier rice family commonly used in dishes and desserts across East and Southeast Asia. Glutinous rice does not contain gluten.
🤍 White Rice vs. 🤎 Brown Rice
These words mainly describe milling. Brown rice keeps its bran layer, while white rice has the bran and germ removed. The same variety, such as basmati, may be sold in both forms.
These words mainly describe milling. Brown rice keeps its bran layer, while white rice has the bran and germ removed. The same variety, such as basmati, may be sold in both forms.
⚫ Black vs. 🚫 Forbidden vs. 🖤 Sticky Black
Black rice is the broad color category. Forbidden rice is a name used for certain black-rice varieties. Sticky black rice specifically combines dark color with a glutinous, sticky texture.
Black rice is the broad color category. Forbidden rice is a name used for certain black-rice varieties. Sticky black rice specifically combines dark color with a glutinous, sticky texture.
♨️ Parboiled vs. 📦 Converted
These are two labels for the same general processing idea. The rice is treated with heat and moisture before final milling, which helps the cooked grains remain firm and separate.
These are two labels for the same general processing idea. The rice is treated with heat and moisture before final milling, which helps the cooked grains remain firm and separate.
🌾 Wild Rice
Wild rice is not simply a dark variety of ordinary rice. It comes from aquatic grasses and has long, dark, chewy grains.
Wild rice is not simply a dark variety of ordinary rice. It comes from aquatic grasses and has long, dark, chewy grains.
💬 Everyday Rice Phrases
🇮🇳 Basmati is usually drier and more separate, while jasmine rice is softer and slightly stickier.
comparing two aromatic long-grain rices
🇫🇷 Le basmati est généralement plus sec et plus détaché, tandis que le riz jasmin est plus tendre et légèrement plus collant.
🇩🇪 Basmati ist normalerweise trockener und lockerer, während Jasminreis weicher und etwas klebriger ist.
🇮🇹 Il basmati è solitamente più asciutto e con chicchi più separati, mentre il riso jasmine è più morbido e leggermente più appiccicoso.
🇵🇹 O basmati costuma ser mais seco e soltinho, enquanto o arroz jasmim é mais macio e um pouco mais pegajoso.
comparing two aromatic long-grain rices
Show translations
🇪🇸 El basmati suele ser más seco y suelto, mientras que el arroz jazmín es más suave y un poco más pegajoso.🇫🇷 Le basmati est généralement plus sec et plus détaché, tandis que le riz jasmin est plus tendre et légèrement plus collant.
🇩🇪 Basmati ist normalerweise trockener und lockerer, während Jasminreis weicher und etwas klebriger ist.
🇮🇹 Il basmati è solitamente più asciutto e con chicchi più separati, mentre il riso jasmine è più morbido e leggermente più appiccicoso.
🇵🇹 O basmati costuma ser mais seco e soltinho, enquanto o arroz jasmim é mais macio e um pouco mais pegajoso.
🥘 Risotto is stirred to release starch, while paella rice is generally left alone as it absorbs the broth.
two different cooking techniques
🇫🇷 Le risotto est remué pour libérer l’amidon, tandis que le riz à paella est généralement laissé tranquille pendant qu’il absorbe le bouillon.
🇩🇪 Risotto wird gerührt, damit Stärke freigesetzt wird, während Paella-Reis beim Aufnehmen der Brühe normalerweise nicht gerührt wird.
🇮🇹 Il risotto viene mescolato per rilasciare l’amido, mentre il riso da paella viene generalmente lasciato fermo mentre assorbe il brodo.
🇵🇹 O risoto é mexido para liberar amido, enquanto o arroz de paella geralmente fica sem ser mexido enquanto absorve o caldo.
two different cooking techniques
Show translations
🇪🇸 El risotto se remueve para liberar almidón, mientras que el arroz de paella generalmente se deja quieto mientras absorbe el caldo.🇫🇷 Le risotto est remué pour libérer l’amidon, tandis que le riz à paella est généralement laissé tranquille pendant qu’il absorbe le bouillon.
🇩🇪 Risotto wird gerührt, damit Stärke freigesetzt wird, während Paella-Reis beim Aufnehmen der Brühe normalerweise nicht gerührt wird.
🇮🇹 Il risotto viene mescolato per rilasciare l’amido, mentre il riso da paella viene generalmente lasciato fermo mentre assorbe il brodo.
🇵🇹 O risoto é mexido para liberar amido, enquanto o arroz de paella geralmente fica sem ser mexido enquanto absorve o caldo.
🍡 Glutinous rice is extremely sticky, but the word glutinous does not mean it contains gluten.
clarifying a confusing food term
🇫🇷 Le riz gluant est extrêmement collant, mais le mot gluant ne signifie pas qu’il contient du gluten.
🇩🇪 Klebreis ist extrem klebrig, aber das Wort glutinous bedeutet nicht, dass er Gluten enthält.
🇮🇹 Il riso glutinoso è estremamente appiccicoso, ma la parola glutinoso non significa che contenga glutine.
🇵🇹 O arroz glutinoso é extremamente pegajoso, mas a palavra glutinoso não significa que contenha glúten.
clarifying a confusing food term
Show translations
🇪🇸 El arroz glutinoso es extremadamente pegajoso, pero la palabra glutinoso no significa que contenga gluten.🇫🇷 Le riz gluant est extrêmement collant, mais le mot gluant ne signifie pas qu’il contient du gluten.
🇩🇪 Klebreis ist extrem klebrig, aber das Wort glutinous bedeutet nicht, dass er Gluten enthält.
🇮🇹 Il riso glutinoso è estremamente appiccicoso, ma la parola glutinoso non significa che contenga glutine.
🇵🇹 O arroz glutinoso é extremamente pegajoso, mas a palavra glutinoso não significa que contenha glúten.
🤍 White and brown describe milling, while basmati and jasmine describe rice varieties or types.
processing label vs. rice type
🇫🇷 Blanc et complet décrivent le degré de mouture, tandis que basmati et jasmin décrivent des variétés ou des types de riz.
🇩🇪 Weiß und braun beschreiben die Verarbeitung, während Basmati und Jasmin Reissorten oder Reistypen bezeichnen.
🇮🇹 Bianco e integrale descrivono la lavorazione, mentre basmati e jasmine descrivono varietà o tipi di riso.
🇵🇹 Branco e integral descrevem o processamento, enquanto basmati e jasmim descrevem variedades ou tipos de arroz.
processing label vs. rice type
Show translations
🇪🇸 Blanco e integral describen la molienda, mientras que basmati y jazmín describen variedades o tipos de arroz.🇫🇷 Blanc et complet décrivent le degré de mouture, tandis que basmati et jasmin décrivent des variétés ou des types de riz.
🇩🇪 Weiß und braun beschreiben die Verarbeitung, während Basmati und Jasmin Reissorten oder Reistypen bezeichnen.
🇮🇹 Bianco e integrale descrivono la lavorazione, mentre basmati e jasmine descrivono varietà o tipi di riso.
🇵🇹 Branco e integral descrevem o processamento, enquanto basmati e jasmim descrevem variedades ou tipos de arroz.
🏆 Final Practice
English in the Real World:
Imagine you are choosing rice at the grocery store, following a recipe, or ordering a rice dish. Choose the rice word that best fits each situation.
Imagine you are choosing rice at the grocery store, following a recipe, or ordering a rice dish. Choose the rice word that best fits each situation.
Question 1 of 8
✅ Correct: 0
❓ Questions: 0
🎯 Accuracy: 0%