White rice

Everyday polished rice. In the first days after a birth it is usually cooked as congee, simmered until the grains break down and go soft, and only later eaten as rice or fried rice.

TCM properties

Nature · neutral　Flavour · sweet　Meridians · spleen、stomach

Traditional food therapy

In food therapy white rice settles the stomach and supplements the middle; it is the gentlest of the staples.

Cautions: read first

• People with diabetes should watch the portion and how it is cooked.
• For congee use plenty of water and simmer until the grains burst.

Preparation

Rinse two or three times until the water runs clear; for congee use roughly one part rice to ten parts water.

Origin

The Riverina in New South Wales is the main Australian growing area, alongside imported Thai and Japanese rice. A supermarket staple, with more varieties at Asian grocers

Availability in Australia

Common at Asian grocers

Pairs well with