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Arborio Rice — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Arborio rice photo

Listonic Team

September 4, 2024

Arborio rice, known for its role in risotto, offers some protein and iron. Understand how to choose high-quality arborio rice with a pearly appearance and minimal breakage. Learn about the best storage practices to maintain its texture and nutritional properties.

Nutrients

Check the detailed nutritional values of arborio rice, including information such as calories, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins per 100 grams of the product.

Nutrition facts

Amount per 100 g

Calories

🔥 356 kcal

Nutrients per: 100 g% Daily Value*
Carbs79 g28.73%
Fiber1 g3.57%
Sugars0 g-
Glycemic Index69 -
Protein7 g14%
Sodium2 mg0.09%
Total Fat1 1.28%

*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Among other things, here's what makes arborio rice stand out:

1 g

🥕 Low Fat Content

Key takeaways

🛒
When buying arborio rice, ensure it's labeled as such to get the right texture for risottos.
😋
Arborio rice is a specialty type of rice, known for its use in risotto due to its creamy texture when cooked.
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Store arborio rice in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent infestation.

Health benefits

Discover how incorporating arborio rice into your diet can support a healthier lifestyle and benefit your well-being.
  • Provides energy from its high carbohydrate content, making it a good source of quick energy.
  • Supports digestive health as it is easy to digest, making it suitable for individuals with digestive issues.
  • Contains essential nutrients such as vitamins B and E, which support overall health and well-being.
  • Promotes muscle recovery due to its carbohydrate content, which helps replenish glycogen stores after exercise.

Health risks

Recognize the health concerns and possible risks associated with arborio rice.
  • High glycemic index which can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, particularly concerning for diabetics.
  • Low nutrient density compared to whole grains, as it lacks fiber and some essential nutrients.
  • Potential for overconsumption leading to excessive calorie intake and weight gain.
  • Arsenic content which can be a concern with rice, potentially leading to long-term health issues with excessive consumption.
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How to choose arborio rice

When choosing Arborio rice, essential for creamy risottos, opt for grains that are uniformly pearly white and feel heavy in the hand. The grains should be short and stout, with a characteristic chalky feel, which ensures that they release enough starch during cooking.

Pass on packages that contain broken grains or debris, as this can affect the texture of your risotto. It's also wise to avoid rice that appears dusty or old, as it may have lost some of its natural creaminess.

How to choose arborio rice

How to store arborio rice

For arborio rice, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or kitchen cabinet works well to keep it away from light and humidity. Properly stored, arborio rice can maintain its quality for up to a year.

Exposure to moisture can cause the rice to spoil, so it's best to avoid this. Storing in areas prone to temperature fluctuations is not advisable, as this can affect the texture and cooking properties. It's also beneficial to keep the rice away from strong odors, which it can absorb easily.

✅ Extra Tip

Add a few bay leaves to your rice container to help repel insects and keep the rice fresh.

How long does it last?

Arborio rice can last for 1-2 years when stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. To extend its shelf life, it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, where it can last indefinitely. Proper storage is essential to prevent moisture and pests.

What to do with leftovers?

Leftover Arborio rice is perfect for making creamy dishes. Use it to prepare risotto cakes by mixing the rice with eggs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, then frying until golden brown. It can also be added to soup for a heartier texture or mixed into a rice pudding for a sweet dessert.

If you have a lot of Arborio rice, consider making a batch of arancini, which are stuffed rice balls that are breaded and fried. You can also use it in a savory rice casserole or mix it with vegetables and broth for a quick risotto. Arborio rice can also be used as a base for a grain salad or mixed into stuffed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

👨‍⚕️️ Medical disclaimer

The content on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How arborio rice supports specific health conditions

Arborio rice, commonly used in risotto, is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your body. Its slower digestion rate compared to other white rice varieties may support blood sugar control by preventing sharp spikes. Arborio rice is also a source of B vitamins, which help maintain brain function and energy metabolism.

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