Rice is a global staple that fuels cultures and cuisines from Asia to Africa, Europe to the Americas. Its versatility spans simple weeknight meals to celebratory feasts — from fluffy basmati pilafs to vibrant black rice salads. Whether you’re looking for everyday pantry basics or more unusual varieties to inspire creative cooking, rice is a must-have in every kitchen.
Explore our full range on our Rice Department Hub.
What Makes Rice So Versatile?
Rice is a naturally gluten-free cereal grain available in many forms: long grain, short grain, aromatic, coloured, and wholegrain. Its neutral flavour makes it a perfect canvas for bold seasonings, fresh herbs, spices, and sauces.
From steamed side dishes to risottos, sushi, and rice salads, each variety of rice brings its own texture and personality to the plate.
Why Choose Different Rice Types?
1. Texture Variety
Long grain rice cooks up light and fluffy, while short grain rice tends to be creamier and stickier — ideal for risottos and sushi.
2. Nutrient Diversity
Wholegrain and coloured rices like brown rice and black rice offer higher fibre and antioxidant levels compared with highly polished white rice.
3. Global Flavours
Unusual rice types bring unique flavour and colour to dishes — such as nutty black rice in salads or earthy short grain brown rice in comforting bowls.
4. Culinary Creativity
Exploring different rice varieties opens up new recipe ideas and expands your cooking repertoire.
Our Best-Selling Rices
While we stock a wide variety of rices, these three are consistent customer favourites — including some more distinctive options too:
Organic Basmati Brown Rice
Fragrant and fluffy with a satisfying nutty flavour, brown basmati is perfect for pilafs, curries, stir-fries, and Buddha bowls. Its wholegrain texture adds fibre and wholesome nutrition.
Shop Organic Basmati Brown Rice
Organic Short Grain Brown Rice
Creamier and more tender than long grain varieties, short grain brown rice is ideal for hearty risottos, rice puddings, sushi, and one-pot meals. Its slightly chewy texture adds comfort and depth to dishes.
Shop Organic Short Grain Brown Rice
Organic Black Rice
Also known as “forbidden rice,” black rice is a striking, deep purple-black grain with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. Packed with antioxidants and fibre, it’s perfect for vibrant salads, grain bowls, and visually stunning side dishes.
Shop Organic Black Rice
Unusual Rice Types to Try
While classic white and brown rices are kitchen staples, exploring more unusual rice varieties adds interest and flavour to your meals:
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Black Rice – Rich in antioxidants and colour, ideal for salads, puddings, and bold mains.
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Red Rice – Earthy and robust, pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and spice-rich dishes.
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Wild Rice – Technically a seed of aquatic grasses, its chewy texture and smoky flavour elevate grain mixes and pilafs.
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Jasmine Rice – Aromatic and soft, perfect for Southeast Asian dishes and coconut rice.
Ways to Cook Rice
There are many ways to prepare rice depending on the dish you’re making:
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Steaming or Boiling – Simple and classic for plain rice sides.
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Absorption Method – For fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time.
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Risotto – Stirred slowly with stock for creamy texture (best with short or medium grain).
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Paella – Spanish savoury rice cooked with stock, saffron, and proteins.
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Rice Salads – Cooled cooked rice mixed with herbs, veg, and dressings.
Choosing and Storing Rice
When selecting rice, consider:
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Wholegrain options (brown, black, red) for higher fibre content
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Flavour and aroma (e.g. basmati’s fragrance)
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Grain shape based on your recipe needs
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Certified organic where possible
Store rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Most dried rices have a long shelf life, but keep an eye on any unusual varieties — especially those with higher oil content — to ensure freshness.
Ready to experiment with new rice varieties? Browse the full collection on our Rice Department Hub and find your next kitchen favourite.