The Difference Between White And Brown Rice Is How It's Processed

Like many people, you probably have strong opinions on the question of white rice versus brown rice. Brown rice has long been believed to be a healthier, more virtuous option, but there are those that don't like the taste. Rice just happens to be one of the long list of foods you can make in a rice cooker, but if you really enjoy this grain and make it often, you may have wondered whether white and brown rice are actually two different things entirely. Do they come from the same plant? What really separates the two types of rice?

First things first: White rice and brown rice are the same grain. What differentiates them is the processing involved after they are harvested. There are three parts to a grain of rice: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ. White rice has simply had two of the three — the bran and the germ — removed. Brown rice has all three components intact, putting the "whole" in "whole grain." The bran and germ of the rice grain have a lot of fiber, which is why some consider brown rice to be more healthy. However, white rice is no slouch in the nutritional department.

Brown rice is milled — or processed — only once, which removes the inedible hull and preserves the rest of the grain. Multicolored wild rice, like purple and red, are just different shades of whole grain rice, like brown rice. Because of its high fiber content, brown rice takes longer to cook and has more of a bite to it than white rice. The fiber in brown rice also promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling full for longer.

On the other hand, white rice undergoes a second round of milling to remove the bran and germ. Without its fibrous exterior, white rice becomes more of a starch. This makes it great for quickly-accessible, fast-acting energy. It is also often easier to digest than brown rice.

As is the case with most foods, many people can enjoy rice in moderation. So load up your bowl (or viral chunky plates) with the rice of your choice, and don't let pop science make you feel guilty about it. Grab the cult-favorite Zojirushi rice cooker, and get cookin'. If you happen to have any cooked rice left over, just make sure you know how to store and reheat your rice safely.