What's New in Rice Archive

Celebrate National Nutrition Month With U.S.-Grown Rice

March is National Nutrition Month and the focus is on the importance of making informed food choices. As customer preference for fresh, healthy foods increases, foodservice professionals are raising the bar in providing wholesome dishes without sacrificing flavor. USA Rice highlights the benefits of adding whole grain brown and enriched white rice to meals, a recommendation supported by the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to consume at least three whole grain servings of six daily grain servings. Additionally, as menu disclosure becomes more prevalent, rice provides a simple way for chefs and operators to boost the nutritional value of any dish as it's naturally low in calories and is sodium-, gluten- and cholesterol-free with no trans or saturated fat.

Rice is an ideal flavor carrier for the most subtle cuisine to the most exotic, so the opportunities for chefs to incorporate more rice are limitless. Check out recipe ideas in Rice On The Menu.

Did You Know?

USA Rice research among chefs and operators shows that they perceive rice as a nutritious, wholesome food that fits with today's trends and helps achieve their menu goals. Here's what they said:

• "Rice helps us meet the increased demand for low fat, high fiber, good tasting, globally authentic foods."

• "I have started using brown rice in some applications and it is being readily accepted by my customers as an additional offering."

• "Rice keeps down cost per plate while remaining healthy and appealing."

National Nutrition Month School Promotion Features Brown Rice

USA Rice Federation is partnering with Chartwells School Dining, the nation's leader in contract management services to schools, to emphasize the importance of healthy eating and educating students during March National Nutrition Month in 6,000 schools nationwide. Chartwells' "EAT. LEARN. LIVE. With Color Nutrition Month^®" promotion encourages students to choose whole grains, lean proteins, and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Throughout the month, schools will conduct several activities to promote rice including serving healthy rice bowls for lunch and a classroom activity where students will learn about U.S.-grown rice. In addition, students will have the opportunity to prepare a seasoned brown rice mix recipe that they can cook at home with their parents. The promotion features USA Rice classroom materials and whole grain rice.

USA Rice staff will visit several Chartwells schools during March National Nutrition Month to present rice information in the nutrition education sessions. The promotion leverages USDA's initiative to improve the nutritional quality of school meals by increasing servings of whole grains including brown rice. Learn more about USA Rice's K-12 involvement.