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CHRISTMAS RICE

Christmas Rice
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Not just for Christmas, this specialty rice provides a deep, musky flavor.

This specialty rice is a red, short-grain variety, characterized by a deep, musky flavor. Cooked, it has a sticky, dense texture.

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Varieties

Christmas rice is a short-grain, red variety.

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Buying and storing tips

Buy Christmas rice in the packaged grains section of grocery, health food, and specialty stores. Christmas rice is sold in bulk at health food stores. When purchasing Christmas rice in bulk, look for intact kernels that aren’t broken, scratched, or damaged.

Store rice in a cool, dry area in a sealed glass or plastic container, away from the open air and moisture.

Cooked rice can be refrigerated for up to seven days, or stored in the freezer for six months.

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Availability

Christmas rice is available year-round.

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Preparation, uses, and tips

Rinse 1 cup of rice and drain well. In a heavy saucepan with a lid, combine rice with 2 cups (500mL) of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, covered, until tender (about 30 minutes for medium- to long-grain white rice, 40 minutes for brown rice, 20 minutes for arborio or short-grain rice, and 1 hour for wild rice).

Add cooked white beans, finely chopped fresh sage, and white pepper to cooked rice. Excellent in casseroles, soups, side dishes, and entrées when a stickier texture is desired.

To reheat cooked rice, for each 1 cup (200 grams) of rice, add 2 Tbsp (30mL) liquid. Cover and heat four to five minutes on top of range or in oven. In a microwave oven, cook on High about 1 1/2 minutes per cup (200g).

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Nutritional Highlights

Christmas rice, 1/4 cup (45g) (cooked)
Calories: 170
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrate: 37g
Total Fat: 1.5g

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Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for rice
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other rice. Read about health benefits and concerns for rice for a full description.

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