White rice facts for kids

White rice with soup.

White rice is a very common type of rice that has been processed to remove its outer layers. This processing makes the rice grains white and gives them a smooth texture. It is a staple food for billions of people around the world, especially in Asia.

What is White Rice?

White rice starts as a whole grain of rice. This whole grain has three main parts:

• The bran: This is the tough outer layer. It is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• The germ: This is the part that could sprout into a new plant. It contains healthy fats and nutrients.
• The endosperm: This is the starchy inner part. It is the main part of the white rice grain.

When rice is processed to become white rice, the bran and germ are removed. This leaves only the endosperm, which is mostly starch.

How White Rice is Made

Making white rice involves a process called milling. Here's how it generally works:

• Harvesting: First, rice plants are harvested when the grains are ripe.
• Threshing: The grains are separated from the stalks.
• Hulling: The rough outer husk (the very first layer) is removed from the rice grain. This gives you brown rice.
• Milling (Polishing): To make white rice, the brown rice then goes through more machines. These machines rub off the bran layer and the germ. This step is also called "polishing" because it makes the grains smooth and shiny.

Removing the bran and germ makes white rice cook faster and gives it a longer shelf life. It also changes its taste and texture.

White Rice vs. Brown Rice

The main difference between white rice and brown rice is how they are processed.

• White rice has had the bran and germ removed. This means it has less fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to brown rice.
• Brown rice still has the bran and germ. This makes it a "whole grain" and means it keeps more of its natural nutrients. Brown rice often has a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor.

Even though white rice has fewer nutrients than brown rice, it is still a good source of energy. In some places, white rice is enriched, meaning vitamins and minerals are added back into it after processing.

Where Does Rice Come From?

Rice is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. People have been growing it for thousands of years. It is believed to have first been grown in Asia, possibly in China or India. Today, rice is grown in many countries, especially in warm, wet climates. It is a vital food source for more than half of the world's population.

Images for kids

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  Cooked white rice

See also

In Spanish: Arroz blanco (tipo de arroz) para niños