Is Botan Calrose Rice Bad For You? Our Complete Guide

Botan Calrose rice

Rice is a staple food in most South and East Asian countries. Grown in the soils of California, Botan Calrose is one of the premium varieties of rice with its unique quality and texture. 

Is it bad for you? No, Botan Calrose rice is not bad for your health. In fact, it is healthy owing to its light nature with zero cholesterol and sugar. It is a rich source of carbohydrates without trans or saturated fat. It is easily digested by children and elders. It satisfies the energy needs of the body and makes a good addition to a balanced meal.

Botan Calrose rice nutrition facts

Botan Calrose has white and brown rice varieties with different nutritional values.

One cup of cooked Botan Calrose white rice contains 35 grams of carbs, 3 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fiber along with 0.4 milligrams of iron. White rice is free from cholesterol, fat, or sodium. One serving of white rice provides 160 calories which are around 7% of the energy required in a day.

Botan Calrose Brown rice contains 30 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of fat, and 1 gram of sugar per serving. The brown rice also provides 160 calories. Although brown rice has fewer carbs compared to white rice, it has sugar and fat,
unlike white rice.

Is Botan Calrose short grain?

No, Botan Calrose is medium grain rice with its signature pearly white color. The rice becomes soft when cooked, making it a great choice for a wide variety of dishes from appetizers to the main courses. The rice has a slight, delicate taste which is suitable for any cuisine.

Botan Calrose rice is widely used in western and contemporary recipes and is liked by people who are not used to eating rice frequently. The size of the grain makes it more appealing and enhances the presentation of the food.

Is Botan Calrose rice pre-washed?

Yes, Botan Calrose has a pre-washed version of rice called “Musenmai”, which means “no-wash”. Normal versions of the rice need to be rinsed to remove any dust or residue from the grain. This also prevents the rice from getting too sticky due to the starch overcoat. Since Botan Calrose Rice is not enriched, washing the rice will not affect its nutritional value. It is also recommended to soak the rice in water for at least 20 minutes which can help the grain absorb moisture and speed up the cooking process, resulting in fluffy rice.

Is Botan Calrose rice gluten-free?

Yes, Botan Calrose rice is free from gluten. Naturally, whole grains like white and brown rice do not contain gluten. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, plainly served rice is gluten-free and is safe to eat. Rice can be digested easily by people with gluten sensitivity. 

Botan Calrose rice has a minimal amount of carbohydrates which makes it an excellent choice for a gluten-free meal. Although milled rice may be contaminated with gluten during its storage and transit, washing the rice mildly removes the gluten from its surface. 

Does Botan Calrose rice have Arsenic?

Yes, Botan Calrose rice does contain Arsenic, but at significantly low levels. Arsenic is a chemical element that is known to cause nausea, diarrhea, and allergies. Its inhalation causes irritation to the respiratory system. Its prolonged consumption is linked to lung, skin, and bladder cancer.

Rice collects more Arsenic from irrigation water than other crops. It is found that rice varieties grown in California have only one-third of the Arsenic content compared to other varieties. Rinsing the rice thoroughly and boiling it with plenty of water can bring down the Arsenic content. This way, 57% of the toxic element gets flushed out, making the rice safer to eat.

Is Botan Calrose rice bad for diabetics?

No, Botan Calrose rice is not bad for diabetics when eaten in small portions. However, consuming large portions of rice is to be avoided. Rice is a rich source of carbs and has a high glycemic index which can increase blood sugar levels. Most people with diabetes are advised to consume 45-60 grams of carbs per meal.

One serving of Botan Calrose rice contains 35 grams of carbs which is ideal for a diabetic diet. Brown rice is a low-carb alternative to white rice but it contains sugar. Hence, eating rice, white or brown, in moderation can help manage blood sugar levels.

Is Botan Calrose rice high in sugar?

No, Botan Calrose rice does not contain sugar. Botan Calrose white rice contains 0 grams of sugar while brown rice contains 1 gram of sugar per serving. Rice is completely safe for people with diabetes and those trying to reduce their sugar intake.

White rice is free from sugar either in its grain or cooked form. However, it is packed with complex carbohydrates which break down into glucose after consumption and are essential for the functioning of the body. Excessive intake of rice is to be avoided to keep blood glucose levels under control. 

Is Botan Calrose rice high in calories?

No, Botan Calrose rice is not high in calories. One hundred and sixty calories per serving are not considered high as rice is usually consumed as a main course. Botan Calrose supplies the right type of calories needed for the body. Empty calories burn out faster and make you feel hungry sooner. But, eating rice keeps you full for a long time and satisfies the energy needs of the body.

People looking to limit eating calories can include rice moderately in their diet. People trying to lose weight are advised to skip eating rice at night. Exercising after consuming rice is also a good way to maintain a balanced calorie intake.

Is Botan Calrose rice high in cholesterol?

No, both white and brown variants of Botan Calrose do not contain cholesterol. Due to its light and cholesterol-free nature, rice is popular among health-conscious consumers. High amounts of cholesterol are known to affect the heart and coronary health. Since rice is free from cholesterol, it is totally safe for people suffering from chronic heart diseases.

Can Botan Calrose rice be used for sushi?

Yes, the Botan Calrose variety of rice is perfect for making sushi. Preparation of sushi requires cooked rice with a slightly sticky texture. Botan Calrose rice has a unique color and once cooked, becomes soft and sticky. The rice was manufactured for Asians living in the US and is suitable for recipes like sushi. The taste of the rice is loved by Asians and the brand is highly sought after in countries like Korea. 

Can you use Botan Calrose for fried rice?

Yes, you can use Botan Calrose in recipes like fried rice. Since the rice was engineered by a Japanese-American, it tastes best for Asian cuisine, including fried rice. Its mild taste and versatility make it a premium rice brand in eastern countries. 

Can you use Botan Calrose for sticky rice?

Yes, you can very well use Botan Calrose to make sticky rice. Glutinous rice is usually used in making sticky rice. Although Botan Calrose is a gluten-free variety of rice, it has a slightly sticky texture and holds up very well. Cooking the rice with more water makes its texture more sticky and suitable for Japanese and Thai cuisines.

Is Botan Calrose rice healthy?

Yes, Botan Calrose rice is healthy as it gives an energy spike to the body without any cholesterol or added sugar. The white rice is free from fat or sodium, making it more digestible. It is gluten and chemical-free. It can be consumed by people with varying health goals according to their limits. Though rice is not a rich source of vitamins or minerals, it still plays a very important role in building a well-rounded diet.

Reference:

  1. https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/011152144092-BotanCalroseRice/
Anand Srinivasan
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