Experiments have shown that brown rice and rice bran in a diet may help lower cholesterol in the blood. They are good sources of fiber, as well, which is essential in a healthy diet. Nutritionally, rice is tough to beat. A Glossary of Rice Terms Hundreds of varieties of rice are grown around the world. In the United States, about 15 varieties are commonly produced and consumed.
Rice is categorized by size into three broad groups - long, medium or short grain.
California rice farmers are experimenting with ways to enhance migratory waterfowl populations and to decompose rice straw. While foraging for rice grain left after harvest, the birds also trample the rice straw and help in its decomposition. Rough or Paddy rice is the grain as it comes from the field and before it is milled. Brown rice is unmilled, with the hull removed. It retains the bran layer, which gives it a nutty flavor and allows the grain to retain more of the vitamins, minerals and fiber.