Arborio rice is an Italian short grain rice used to make one of its classic rice dishes called risotto.'Riso' means rice in Italian. Originally it was cultivated in Italy but now its is produced in other places too. It is named after the Arborio town in Italy. It has a pearl like white exterior. After being cooked it tastes creamy, starchy and chewy. The grains are short, plump and somewhat oval shaped. It has a high starch content.
Usage
This variety of rice is used to make risotto dishes like lemon spring risotto, chicken risotto and risotto cakes.It releases a large amount of starch on being cooked. It is this starch that makes the risotto taste creamy. It is cooked al dente or bite like (same as pasta). It is available in white and brown varieties. White Arborio is the most popular variety used for making risottos. It is a good source of iron. Arborio rice also has an excellent capacity to absorb water.
Nutritional Value
1. Arborio rice is rich in carbohydrates that gives energy to the body.
2. Arborio rice provides more amount of proteins than long grain white rice.
3. They are also a source of calcium.