RiceSelect® FAQ's

Yes! All of our RiceSelect® rice, couscous, orzo, and quinoa varieties are Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher by Star-K.

No, they do not. Our sustainable jars are 100% BPA-Free.

Product safety is our number one priority. That is why we have chosen to make sure all of our PET (polyethylene terephthalate) jars are free of BPA. When it comes to our consumer’s health and well-being, we will not take any chances. We are committed to providing our consumer's clear jars that are safe, innovative, and protective of our products.

Yes! At RiceSelect, we’re committed to sustainability—and that’s why we partnered with How2Recycle® to include easy-to-follow recycling instructions on our packaging. Nearly all RiceSelect® plastic jars can be recycled through curbside recycling programs in your community; just remove the lid and give them a second life in your recycling. Check your jar for more information and find out how you can help to build a more sustainable future.

RiceSelect® is available in the United States. In order to find the nearest retailer to you, please use our Store Locator or you can find us on Amazon.com!

RiceSelect®’s flagship product line consists of three flavorful rice blends that are unique in quality and agricultural innovation. Designed specifically for those with judicious culinary standards, each boasts a distinct aromatic quality and textural uniqueness. As a result, they’ve become an essential option for professional chefs and serious home cooks alike.

Texmati® Rice is a unique aromatic rice that’s a cross between long-grain white or brown rice and authentic Basmati rice to create a unique rice varietal.

Jasmati® is our unique take on traditional Jasmine rice.

Royal Blend® rice is a blend of four rices: Texmati® White, pre-cooked brown, wild, and Thai red rice.

Each one of our flagship Rice Blends are designed for your signature taste. Click the variety that speaks to you for instructions on how to prepare: Texmati®, Jasmati®, or Royal Blend®.

Handy tip: if you’re cooking our original and organic rice blend, add in 1 minute of cooking time to soften up the grains further.

Arborio Rice is a bold, medium grain rice that has a characteristic white dot at the center of the pearly white grain. Primarily used in risotto and rice pudding, Arborio rice develops a creamy texture around a slightly chewy center, displaying an exceptional ability to absorb flavors. The quality of the rice impacts its starch content and ability to achieve an al dente core, an integral factor to achieving an unforgettable risotto.

Check our Arborio Rice page for more information about this grain and how to make an unforgettable risotto.

Here’s an expert tip: great risotto texture comes from gradually stirring small amounts of hot stock (or broth) into the rice as it cooks. This process, called the “Risotto Method” allows the liquid to be absorbed progressively, resulting in the signature creamy, velvety consistency that people associate with great risotto. It’s an iconic texture derived from Northern Italy, where they call it “al ondo,” which translates “to the wave.”

While we’re on the subject of texture, the Arborio rice grains themselves should be cooked al dente (more Italian!) for a toothsome bite.

Our Classic Italian Risotto is the perfect recipe to practice mastering the basics of the Risotto Method. Simple, yet indulgent, this recipe is magnificent on its own, while also functioning as an essential base for creating other risottos.

What is it you ask? Our Royal Blend® rice has an enchanting aroma filled with sophisticated texture. We proudly offer two Royal Blend® rice varieties with subtle differences:

ROYAL BLEND® TEXMATI® WHITE, BROWN & RED RICE is an enticing mixture of colors, textures, and tastes, it has no added flavors or sodium and cooks in just 15 minutes. Great as a base for stuffing or salads, or served with beef or wild game.

ROYAL BLEND® WHOLE GRAIN with TEXMATI® BROWN & WILD RICE is an interesting blend of whole grains, including Texmati® Brown Rice, wild rice, soft white wheat, and rye berries. Nutritious, a unique chewy texture and a delicious nutty flavor. Ideal for the holidays, or to jazz up everyday meals.

All of our rice products are naturally and Certified Gluten Free, except for our Whole-Grain Royal Blend with Wild Rice, which features gluten because wheat and barley ingredients are included.

We proudly offer our Texmati® White, Texmati® Brown, Jasmati®, Arborio Rice, as well as Pearl Couscous in Organic varieties, certified by the USDA.

Stovetop:

• 1 ¾ cup water
• 1 cup rice
• ½ tsp salt (optional)
• 1 tsp butter or olive oil (optional)

Bring water to a boil. Add salt or butter or olive oil. Stir in rice. Cover with lid; reduce heat to low and simmer (15 minutes for white rice or blends/40 minutes for brown rice). Remove from heat and let stand (covered) 5 minutes. See specific Product Pages for all cooking directions.

Oven: When adding liquid to the rice, it must be boiling (and the optional salt and butter) to a shallow baking dish or pan; stir. Cover tightly and bake in preheated 350-degree F oven for about 25 minutes for white rice, 50-60 minutes for brown rice.

Instant Pot or Rice Cooker: Please refer to manufacturers directions for the specific rice cooker or Instant Pot you have purchased.

Generally, most rice will triple when cooked, so 1 cup of raw rice will yield 3 cups of cooked rice.

Do not disturb the rice during cooking by stirring (stirring releases the starches into the water). Some other reasons could be incorrect measurement of rice and/or water, inadequate simmer (too high or too low of a temperature), incorrect saucepan size, or inappropriate burner size.

Yes, but if you are using fruit juices, we recommend using ½ juice and ½ water. Meat or vegetable stocks can also be used instead of water.

There are 160 calories in a ¼ cup dry (¾ cup cooked) serving of long-grain white rice. For the calories in each of our rice products, please refer to the nutritional panel on the jar or check our products page.

Yes, all RiceSelect products have a best-by date located on the back side of the jar, between the cap and the label.

White rice will keep almost indefinitely on the pantry shelf, but we recommend consuming it by the Best By Date on the jar, typically 2 years (730 days) after being produced. Once opened, though, it should be kept in a tightly-closed container to keep out dust and moisture and to prevent infestation by grain weevils.

Brown rice, because of the oil bran layers, has a shelf life of about 18 months (less if subjected to temperatures higher than room temp.) To extend the shelf life, store it in your refrigerator or freezer.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in soil and water. Low levels of arsenic can be found in all grains, not just rice, worldwide. U.S. rice meets FDA and international regulations for arsenic and is safe to consume. There are no scientific studies that support claims that there is a public health safety issue as a result of trace amounts of arsenic in rice. For more information, visit: http://arsenicfacts.com/.

Traditional Moroccan Couscous is a tiny Mediterranean-style pasta made from coarsely ground durum wheat semolina, which is precooked. It is often referred to as Moroccan-style Couscous and it cooks in just 5 minutes. Couscous is a perfect substitute for rice and absorbs flavors and spices to elevate any meal.

Pearl Couscous, also known as Israeli Couscous, is named for its unique round shape. Traditional Pearl Couscous is toasted in an open-flame oven. This toasting process allows it to absorb liquids and flavors without falling apart and it cooks in about 10 minutes.

Absolutely! All of our Couscous & Pearl Couscous varieties are proudly Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher by Star-K.

RiceSelect® Couscous: Simply bring 1 cup of water to a boil (with a ½ teaspoon salt and teaspoon butter if desired). Stir in couscous; cover and remove from the burner. Allow to set for 5 minutes; fluff and serve.

RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous: Bring 1½ cups water or broth to a boil; stir in 1 cup pearl couscous (along with ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon butter if desired). Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed.

Couscous is traditionally used as a bed for meats or vegetables but is also excellent for salads and other side dishes. It absorbs the flavors from whatever herbs, spices or sauces you add. It can also be combined with cinnamon, honey and a bit of milk for a delicious hot breakfast cereal.

Because Pearl Couscous has a slightly chewy texture and holds its shape well, making it a great choice for salads, soups, pilafs or for a simple side dish prepare with chicken, vegetable or beef broth in place of water and add a bit of any of your favorite herbs.

Couscous: We offer original Moroccan-style Couscous, Tri-Color Couscous, and Organic Whole Wheat Couscous.

Pearl Couscous: We offer original Pearl Couscous, Organic Pearl Couscous, Tri-Color Pearl Couscous, Organic Tri-Color Pearl Couscous, & Pearl Couscous with Turmeric.

Orzo is an enriched macaroni pasta formed in the shape of a grain of rice and is used most traditionally in soups. It’s made with high-quality durum wheat semolina and cooks in about 10 minutes. Orzo has great versatility when cooking and is a base to create unforgettable flavors.

Orzo is cooked in excess water, like other pasta. Bring about 2 quarts, salted water to a boil. Stir in 1 cup orzo. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally; drain excess water and serve.

Orzo is perfect for hot soups, cold pasta salads, delicious pilafs, or simply served with a flavorful sauce.

We offer original Orzo, Tri-Color Orzo, flavored with spinach and tomato, and Whole Wheat Orzo.

Absolutely! All of our Orzo varieties are Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher by Star-K.

Orzo pasta can typically have a very long shelf life, up to 36 months. To ensure a high-quality taste, we recommend using our Orzo by the "best by" date found on the back of the jar.

Quinoa is technically not a grain but a gluten-free seed; it’s used, however, in the same way as other whole grains. It’s also called a pseudo-cereal in that it’s grain-like but actually not a grass-like wheat.

Because of its neutral flavor and easy preparation, there are limitless culinary possibilities for Quinoa. Take a look at our Recipes if you’re seeking some unforgettable inspiration.

Yes, RiceSelect® offers two different color varieties of Quinoa, both surprisingly decadent. RiceSelect® White Quinoa is lighter and fluffier, the most delicate in flavor of any variety. This makes it ideal for adding to baked goods and desserts. Alternatively, RiceSelect® Tri-Color Quinoa features three color varieties: red, black, and white, unlocking even more decadent possibilities. Tri-Color quinoa has a hearty, slightly chewier texture, which gives it somewhat of a nuttier, richer flavor and a pleasant addition to cold salads.

Absolutely! All RiceSelect Quinoa varieties are Certified Gluten Free.

Preparing quinoa is simple and straightforward: add 1 part of your preferred RiceSelect® Quinoa to 2 parts liquid (water or chicken broth). Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve. Yields approximately 3 ¼ cups.

RiceSelect® Quinoa comes pre-washed, so there’s no need to rinse prior to preparation. If you’re looking to create a special dish, check out our Recipe section.

Yes! Add 1 part quinoa to 2 parts liquid in a rice cooker. Cover and set on the “quinoa” setting. If there’s no “quinoa” setting on your rice cooker, you’ll have to set it to “white rice” and monitor closely until all of the water has been absorbed.

If you want more flavorful quinoa, add chicken broth or another flavorful liquid or juice to customize your taste. Try adding other spices and/or aromatics during cooking as well: A clove of smashed garlic, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or any favorite herb or seasoning.

Great question! Cooked quinoa lasts approximately 3-5 days when refrigerated.

Once prepared, Quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated via stovetop or microwave. Prepared Quinoa can also be stored in the freezer and will keep for 8-12 months, if vacuum sealed.

Quinoa is a superfood/supergrain and is a complete source of protein (inclusive of the nine essential amino acids).

For perspective, a single cup of quinoa has around 8 grams of protein. It’s also an excellent source of fiber (5g) with only 170 calories per serving.