Are The Fancy Minute Rice Varities Worth It? I Trail Cooking

The standard go-to for instant rice 🍚 is Minute Rice brand, though most store brands will work when it comes to meal prep for the outdoors. The standard box that had existed for a very long time (1946 was the year General Mills debuted it commercially, post WWII,  it was invented in the 1930’s by an Afhghan man who sold it to them in 1941, in time for the war). Minute Rice has put out other types, though often their availability depends on what grocery chains you have near you. (It’s owned now by Riviana Foods, who owns many pasta brands… and a lot of rice production.)

I decided to run a comparison between Jasmine, Basmati, and regular to see how it fared. What I judged it on:

Eye appeal

Aroma

Texture

Taste

The Results:

Standard Minute Rice isn’t very exciting. It needs seasoning, as regular white rice is pretty flavorless. But it is what it is: A basic carb that is light in the stomach, easy to prep and can be used in so many recipes, both savory and sweet. 15 minutes get you fluffy, soft, and all water absorbed.

The Jasmine rice has a faint floral aroma and more flavor when eaten plain. It is more satisfying and would be a great choice in fried rice and any Asian or Indian recipe of ours. It would be great with butter melted in and a fried egg on top.

The Basmati Rice, though, it wins hands down. It has the most aroma and a deep flavor. If it was made in large boxes, I would buy it for use in most of my recipe development.

My takeaway is yes, both varities are worth trying. They have more flavor and a lively aroma. They cost a bit more, but it is worth it. It adds just a bit more to your meals!

~ Sarah