Nutrition of Calrose Rice

Calrose rice is a popular American style of rice that is grown predominately in California. Calrose rice is a type of medium-grain rice that is great in multiple cuisines that utilize rice. According to the California Rice Commission, the Calrose variety of rice is the most recognized variety in the United States. Calrose rice has many nutritional aspects that should be considered before you choose the rice for your diet.

Definition

• Calrose rice is known for being soft and sticky. California Rice notes that the grains tend to stick together. Because of these properties, Calrose rice can absorb flavors well. Calrose rice also manages to stay together in soups and salads, holding its own among other ingredients.

  Calrose rice is an important part of the California rice industry. According to the California Rice Commission, "85 percent of all California rice is a Calrose Variety." The rice is used in many Mediterranean and Asian dishes. It is used for dishes such as paella and sushi because of its sticky and flavor-capturing abilities.

Types

• While Calrose rice is an important part of the California rice industry, it is not the only type of rice available. The commission lists a type of "premium medium grain 'new variety' " rice that is listed as the preferred sushi rice. The rice, much like Calrose rice, holds up to being rolled into sushi. Other types of rice include Arborio rice, Jasmine rice, Basmati rice and Red Rice. Each rice has something different to offer. Arborio rice, like Calrose rice, is good for paella.

Benefits

• Calrose rice has multiple nutritional benefits. Rice has no fat content. One serving of one-quarter cup has 0 g of fat. Calrose rice is also low in calories. This same serving only has 150 calories.

  Calrose rice is a great source of carbohydrates and is perfect for those who are looking for energy. One serving has 33 g of carbohydrates. This is 11 percent of your daily recommended amount of carbohydrates. Calrose rice also has a decent amount of niacin, with 4 percent of your daily serving.

Considerations

• Calrose rice is a good side dish or addition to soup and salads. Calrose rice should not be considered an extensive part of a diet, however. Calrose rice is not considered a good source of cholesterol, making it a good choice for those watching their cholesterol. Calrose rice lacks in dietary fiber, vitamin a, vitamin c, calcium and iron. One serving has a small amount of protein (3g per serving). This is less than 10 percent of your daily amount of protein.

Warning

• Those who are looking to lose weight may want to stay away from large servings of Calrose rice. Like other types of carbohydrates and starches, Calrose rice is high in carbohydrates. For some, this energy is a benefit. For others, these sugars are detrimental to a diet. Anyone who is looking to limit their carbohydrate intake may want to limit themselves to one full serving of rice.