When it comes to rice, there are so many varieties available in the market. But one brand that is quite popular and has been around for a long time is Ben’s Original, formerly known as Uncle Ben’s. Many people have heard of this brand and may even have used it in their cooking, but what kind of rice is Ben’s Original, and what makes it different from other varieties? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Ben’s Original and answer some common questions people have about this brand of rice.
The History of Ben’s Original
Ben’s Original was introduced by Converted Rice Inc., who started producing parboiled rice in the late 1940s. At the time, parboiled rice was a groundbreaking innovation because it cooked faster, was more nutritious, and had a longer shelf life than other varieties. The rice was named after “Uncle Ben,” a fictional African American rice farmer who was featured on the packaging, along with the tagline “Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice.”
The brand quickly became a household name in the United States, and over the years, the product line expanded to include different types of rice, rice mixes, and other food products. In 2020, the brand was renamed Ben’s Original to eliminate racial stereotypes associated with the “Uncle Ben” character.
What Kinds of Rice Does Ben’s Original Produce?
Ben’s Original produces a variety of rice products that come in different sizes, including whole grain, white, and flavored rice. Here is a breakdown of some of the rice products offered by the brand:
Whole Grain Brown Rice:
This type of rice is unrefined and retains the bran, germ, and endosperm layer, making it more nutritious than white rice. Ben’s Original Whole Grain Brown Rice is precooked and takes about 10 minutes to cook on the stovetop.
White Rice:
Ben’s Original produces several types of white rice. The most popular is long-grain rice, which is fluffy, light, and slightly sticky when cooked. The brand also produces medium-grain rice, which is stickier and better suited for dishes like sushi or paella.
Flavored Rice:
Ben’s Original also produces a range of flavored rice products that use a variety of ingredients to create different flavors. Some popular flavors include:
– Spanish Style Rice
– Chicken Flavor Rice
– Garlic and Butter Flavored Rice
– Mexican Style Rice
What Sets Ben’s Original Apart?
One thing that sets Ben’s Original apart from other brands of rice is its parboiling process. Parboiling is a process that involves partially boiling the rice in its husk, which helps to retain more of the nutrients and makes the rice less sticky when cooked.
Ben’s Original uses a patented parboiling process that involves steaming the rice under pressure before removing the husk. This process makes the rice more nutritious and flavorful than other varieties of rice.
Another thing that sets Ben’s Original apart is its commitment to sustainable sourcing and farming practices. The brand partners with farmers who use regenerative farming techniques, which helps to improve soil health and reduce carbon emissions from agriculture.
Conclusion
Ben’s Original is a brand of rice that has been around for a long time and has a reputation for being high-quality and nutritious. The brand produces a variety of rice products, including whole grain, white, and flavored rice. What sets Ben’s Original apart is its innovative parboiling process and commitment to sustainable farming practices. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality rice brand that is also environmentally responsible, Ben’s Original is definitely worth trying.
FAQ
Is Uncle Ben’s Original rice white rice?
Yes, Uncle Ben’s Original rice is a type of white rice. It is specifically a type of long grain converted rice that has been a staple of American households for generations. The company has been using the same recipe since the 1940s, and it continues to be a popular choice for families and individuals alike. The rice is able to cook up fluffy, moist, and delicious, making it a versatile option that can be used in a variety of dishes. While there are many different types of rice available, Uncle Ben’s Original rice is a trusted brand that can be found in most grocery stores. If you are looking for a reliable type of white rice that you can use in a variety of recipes, then Uncle Ben’s Original rice is certainly worth considering.
What is in Ben’s original Mexican rice?
Ben’s Original Mexican Rice is a popular side dish that is enjoyed by many people all around the world. It is a flavorful and delicious blend of different ingredients that come together to create a tasty Mexican-inspired rice dish.
The primary ingredient in Ben’s Original Mexican Rice is steamed long-grain rice, which makes up 80% of the dish. Long-grain rice is a type of rice that is long and thin, and when cooked, it has a fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. This rice is the perfect base for Ben’s Original Mexican Rice, as it allows the other ingredients to shine through.
The other ingredients that make up Ben’s Original Mexican Rice include capsicum, onion, tomatoes, vegetable oil, jalapenos, flavoring, sugar, salt, turmeric, chili, processing aid, garlic, cumin, and pepper. Capsicum is also known as bell pepper and is a type of vegetable that adds a sweet and slightly bitter flavor to the dish. Onion is a common ingredient in many Mexican dishes and adds a sweet and savory flavor, while tomatoes provide a slightly tangy and acidic taste that complements the other ingredients.
Jalapenos are a type of chili pepper that adds a spicy kick to the dish, which balances well with the other flavors. Garlic is a popular ingredient in many savory dishes and adds a pungent flavor, and cumin provides a nutty and earthy taste. Turmeric is a spice that adds a bright yellow color to the dish and has an intense flavor.
Additionally, a processing aid is used in the dish, which may contain soy. It is important to note that the exact recipe may vary depending on the manufacturer, but these are the primary ingredients that you can expect to find in Ben’s Original Mexican Rice.
Ben’S Original Mexican Rice is a flavorful and delicious dish that combines different ingredients to create a savory and satisfying side dish that goes well with a wide range of main dishes.
What did they change Uncle Ben’s rice?
Mars Food is a renowned food brand and one of their bestselling products has been Uncle Ben’s instant rice. However, following the heightened social justice movements, the brand has decided to change the name and image of Uncle Ben’s rice to avoid any racist connotations.
Previous packaging featured the image of an older African American man named “Uncle Ben” and this image had been criticized for promoting a racial stereotype. The name Uncle Ben also tends to evoke memories of the slave era. As a result, Mars Food has decided to change the name and image on the sachets to Ben’s Original.
While there is no word on whether the recipe has changed, the updated packaging features the same orange background and navy blue font as before, and this new design will feature across the brand’s dry rice and cooking sauces. The rebranding process was done with careful consideration, aiming to avoid offending customers and keeping with the new diversity and inclusion standards demanded by the public.
Uncle Ben’s rice has undergone a significant transformation, now to be known as Ben’s Original rice, and featuring a fresh new design. The move by Mars Food will likely appeal to a more diverse customer base and avoid any racial stereotypes or offensive imagery.
Why is Ben’s Original rice so good?
Ben’s Original rice, formerly known as Uncle Ben’s rice, has been a popular household brand for many years. Consumers often wonder why the rice is so delicious and keeps them coming back for more. There are a number of factors that contribute to why Ben’s Original rice is so good.
Firstly, the quality of the ingredients used by the company is high. The rice is sourced from carefully selected farms that produce high-quality grains. The company has implemented strict guidelines that farmers must follow in order to ensure that the rice is grown in an environmentally sustainable way, with the minimum use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Furthermore, Ben’s Original rice is carefully cooked to ensure that the flavors are well blended and not overly salty. The grains are steamed and then left to rest, allowing them to absorb the moisture and become extra fluffy. This method of cooking ensures that each grain has a perfect texture that is neither too crunchy nor too soft.
Another key factor that makes Ben’s Original rice so good is the seasoning used in the cooking process. The company uses a blend of herbs and spices to create a flavor that is both tasty and aromatic. This signature blend is what makes the rice stand out from other brands and is what has earned it a loyal following.
In addition, Ben’s Original rice is easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy families. With just a few simple steps, consumers can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. The packaging is also convenient, with clear instructions and a resealable bag to ensure that the rice stays fresh.
There are a number of reasons why Ben’s Original rice is so good. From the high-quality ingredients and careful cooking process to the signature blend of seasoning, this rice is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
