What is Red Glutinous Rice? Benefits, Cooking Methods

If you're health-conscious and interested in a weight-loss diet, red glutinous rice is likely not unfamiliar. Moreover, this type of food is increasingly chosen by many families for meals due to its numerous fantastic benefits. Let's explore the nutritional value, effects, and how to cook red glutinous rice for the most delightful flavor in this Mytour Blog article. 

What is Red Glutinous Rice?

True to its name, red glutinous rice is a variety of glutinous rice with a red hue and an outer bran layer. This preserves the nutritional content of the rice. Red glutinous rice has small, slightly elongated grains, resembling dragon blood rice, but they are, in fact, distinct varieties.

Nutritional Components in Red Glutinous Rice

The reason many people opt for red glutinous rice is due to its high nutritional content, promoting skin beauty and enhancing eyesight. According to research, this rice variety is rich in GABA content, ten times higher than other types of rice. Specifically, 100g of rice contains the following nutrients:

Benefits of Red Glutinous Rice

Red glutinous rice brings numerous health benefits, with the most notable being the following:

Aids in Weight Loss

While the calories in red glutinous rice and regular white rice may not differ significantly, consuming red glutinous rice helps with weight loss. This is because it is rich in fiber, requiring thorough chewing and providing a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. Moreover, the complex carbohydrates in rice keep the body energized, reducing cravings for snacks. It becomes easier to control calorie intake, leading to weight reduction without the need for strict dieting.

Enhances Immune System, Antioxidant Properties

In this type of rice, researchers have discovered various antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. It has the ability to protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, anti-inflammatory properties, and slowing down the aging process. Not only that, but the skin also becomes smoother and healthier.

Supplements Vitamins and Minerals

Noteworthy is the abundant nutrient content that red glutinous rice provides to the body. These are essential minerals for the development of joints and bones. Additionally, broth made from red glutinous rice also helps the body reduce the risk of uric acid-related diseases by controlling its concentration.

Reduces Stress and Fatigue

Few know that the body can release stress through the consumption of glutinous rice, especially the red variety. This effect comes from the vitamins in rice, promoting a relaxed mind, reducing the risk of depression and anger. That's why pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are often advised to consume this type of rice.

Prevents Diabetes and Obesity

As mentioned earlier, red glutinous rice is rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals, helping the body limit the absorption of bad cholesterol, preventing diseases related to the heart, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are also advised to consume water from this type of rice to control blood sugar levels. The best time to drink is between meals.

Prevents Degeneration, Benefits the Nervous System

Iron is abundant in red glutinous rice. It supports the functioning and improves the performance of the nervous system, preventing diseases related to the brain. Additionally, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content also has the ability to protect the nervous system, reducing the risk of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases.

Cancer Prevention

The polyphenol and selenium content in rice helps prevent cancer. It can also limit colorectal cancer. Some studies have indicated that the abundant GABA content in this rice variety slows down the development of leukemia cells, causing them to die off.

How to Cook Red Glutinous Rice

Cooking red glutinous rice is not complicated, but making the grains tender and fluffy can be a challenge. The outer bran layer of the rice is quite tough, and if cooked conventionally, it can be difficult to eat. Refer to the following 4 steps to achieve fragrant and tender glutinous rice:

Step 1: Soak and Rinse the Rice

Regardless of the type of rice, the first step is to rinse it. Rinse the rice with two waters to remove dirt and impurities. Note not to rinse too vigorously or excessively, as it may remove essential nutrients. Unlike other types of rice that can be rinsed and cooked immediately, glutinous rice requires soaking time. If possible, soak it overnight for 9-12 hours to prevent the rice from becoming too hard when cooked. If you don't have time, you can soak the rice in warm water for 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Measure Water

Each type of rice requires a different water ratio. Typically, red glutinous rice needs more water than white rice. You can start with a ratio of 2:1 and gradually adjust in subsequent attempts if it's not suitable for your preference.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Cooking rice has never been easier with an electric rice cooker. Simply put the rice in the cooker, close the lid, and turn the switch on. When the rice is cooked, wait an additional 10 – 15 minutes on the warm setting for fluffier rice. If your rice cooker has a glutinous rice cooking mode, even better – the rice grains will be more aromatic and evenly expanded.

Step 4: Completion

After the rice is fully cooked, fluff it up and serve it in a bowl. Red glutinous rice, hot and fragrant, is delicious on its own or paired with a savory dish – a sprinkle of sesame salt is all you need to enhance the flavor.

How to Store Red Glutinous Rice

Ensuring delicious red glutinous rice involves proper storage. If not stored correctly, the rice can spoil, become damp, and susceptible to mold growth, compromising not only its nutritional value but also impacting health.

After purchasing, store the rice in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Instead of leaving it in the original bag, opt for an airtight container or bin. With proper storage, red glutinous rice can stay fresh and maintain its quality for 1 – 2 years.

If the rice has been cooked and turned into rice, store it in a tightly sealed box or zip bag. Then, place the rice in the refrigerator's cool compartment (if planning to eat within 1-2 days) or the freezer compartment (for longer storage). This helps limit bacteria and air intrusion from the environment, preserving the rice's quality. However, it's advisable to consume cooked rice within 3 – 4 days to ensure it doesn't pose any health risks.

Considerations When Using Red Glutinous Rice

Below are essential considerations when using red glutinous rice to ensure safety that you should keep in mind:

• Always eat slowly, chew rice thoroughly before swallowing.
• Consume only 2 – 3 times a week; on other days, opt for white rice or other starchy foods to maintain nutritional balance.
• Individuals with poor digestion, kidney problems, or a history of digestive surgery should limit their intake.
• Rice will be softer and more tender if soaked in water for at least 1 hour.
• If your rice cooker lacks a function for cooking red glutinous rice, cook it twice to ensure even grain expansion, resulting in a chewy and soft texture. Cook for 15 minutes in the first round. Then, unplug and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes before cooking the second round.
• Allow the rice to sit in the pot for 5 – 10 minutes after cooking, rather than eating it right away when the rice cooker just finished.
• Use rice within less than a year to ensure the best rice quality. Avoid consuming red glutinous rice if you notice changes in color or detect a musty or foul odor.

Hope that these insights have provided you with a better understanding of the benefits, cooking methods, as well as precautions when preserving and using red glutinous rice. If you're looking to buy glutinous rice or a quality rice cooker, don't forget to visit the e-commerce website Mytour. Here, you can find various products at different price ranges for you to choose from. Especially, Mytour always offers attractive promotions, helping you purchase quality items at affordable prices.

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