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Best European Grains Types
This Portuguese varietal of rice is fine and tender with a velvety soft texture, and it is especially good at absorbing the flavors and aromas of ingredients it is cooked with. This rice is grown in Salvaterra de Magos outside Lisbon, an area known for its mild, Mediterranean climate.
The weather and soil conditions contribute to a rice with a firmer structure that is less likely to break or disintegrate while cooking. This glutenous rice also gives dishes it is cooked with a smooth and creamy texture.
Arborio is an Italian rice variety that's mostly used for risottos and rice puddings. The short, rounded grains are firm and have a high content of starch, resulting in creamy textures of dishes that the rice is used in. Because of its characteristics, Arborio is almost double the price of regular long-grain rice.
This rice variety was named after the eponymous town in the Po Valley. It should be cooked al dente, while still slightly firm to the bite, and never washed or rinsed as it will lose the starchy coating that creates the creamy and slightly chewy texture once cooked.
Bomba is a Spanish variety of rice characterized by a short grain. The rice has a high content of amylose and a pearly white color of the grain. What distinguishes Bomba from most of the other varieties is that it can absorb two or three times its volume in water.
It will not burst, but hold its structure when cooked, expanding in width rather than in length, forming round bombs in the process. Bomba takes a long time to mature, and it has been harvested since the 14th century. Nowadays, it's mostly grown in wetlands south of Valencia.
Carnaroli is an Italian rice variety that's mostly used for the preparation of risotto. It's characterized by a short grain, smaller than the one of Arborio rice, and a high starch content. As a result, Carnaroli rice can absorb liquids without becoming overcooked, creating the creamy texture that's a characteristic of great risottos.
It's grown in the Novara, Vercelli, and Pavia provinces. The rice variety was discovered by Emiliano Carnaroli as a cross between Lencino and Vialone Nano varieties, hence the name. Interestingly, Carnaroli rice is often hailed as the 'caviar' or 'king' of Italian rice.
THE BEST Carnaroli Japonica Rice
Oryza sativa, the plant species most commonly referred to as rice, is one of the most widely consumed cereal grains. Italy is the largest producer of rice in Europe, and Lombardy is Italy's rice bowl, especially the provinces of Lodi, Mantua, Milano, and Pavia.
Rice is grown from April to October, and among many varieties that can be found on the irrigated Lombardian paddies, the most common ones are Carnaroli, Arborio, Vialone Nano, Baldo, Balilla, Lotus, Gladius, Rome, Selenium, Volano, and Nembo.
THE BEST Riso Rice
Baldo rice is a white rice variety grown exclusively in Italy and Türkiye. It is a relatively new variety, first cultivated in 1977 in the Italian Po valley as a hybrid of stirpe 136 rice and arborio rice. Baldo rice soon became known as the "king of rice" thanks to its exquisite qualities, and it found its way to Türkiye, where it is considered the finest quality rice.
Depending on the variety, Baldo rice can come in a long, medium, and short-grain format, although short-grain is most known and used. It has a buttery aroma and a distinct but not overpowering taste, with pronounced starchiness (Turkish varieties tend to be starchier than the Italian).
Arroz del Delta del Ebro is white or brown rice categorized as 'extra', of the Bahía, Tebre, Sénia, Fonsa, Bomba and Montsianell varieties The varieties range in their properties; from Senia, which is smooth and creamy when cooked, to Bomb, which is loose and firm.
It is grown in the wetlands covering the area of Ebro Delta, in the Province of Tarragona. All levels of production and the final product itself are strictly regulated. Arroz del Delta del Ebro is sold packaged with a numbered label that can be traced back to the producer and detailed area of cultivation ensuring the superior quality of this rice.
Arroz de Valencia is white or brown rice of the Senia, Bahia, Bomba, J. Sendra, Montsianell, Gleva, Sarçet, or Albufera variety. The varieties range in their properties; from the smooth and creamy Senia to the loose and firm Bomba.
It is grown in wetlands in Provinces of Alicante, Castellón, and Valencia in the autonomous community of Valencia. All levels of production and the final product itself are strictly regulated. Arroz de Valencia is sold packaged with a numbered label that can be traced back to the producer and the detailed area of cultivation, ensuring the superior quality of this rice.
VARIATIONS OF Arroz de Valencia
Riz de Camargue refers to the different varieties of rice originating from the Camargue region in France - full and brown rice, white rice, non-stick rice, pre-cooked rice and mixed rice, among others. The rice is cultivated in the area since the 19th century, and while the climate is restrictive and makes cultivation difficult, it also provides grains of great quality and delicate taste.
The soil, salty subsoil and the dry, hot climate make the rice a basic crop of the Camargue area. Brown rice is the one that has the highest nutritional value in its husk - vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fibre, while round-grained white rice is the one that is most commonly used - in desserts mixed with milk, or in risottos, making it creamy due to the starch content in the rice.
THE BEST Riz de Camargue Japonica Rice
Grown and cultivated northern of the 60th latitude, finnish oats are a variety of pure and organic oats that are renowned for their nutritional properties and high quality. Also referred to as luminous finnish oats, these oats owe their excellent characteristics to the one-of-a-kind conditions in which they grow - an incredible amount of light, pristine waters, and freezing winters, which contribute to the soil’s purity.
The oat planting is typically done in May, while the harvest season usually starts in August and lasts through September. Once harvested, the oats are dried, refined, and processed into various products. These oats are defined by their hard, large grains with bright and pale color and a soft and nutty flavor.
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Best European Grains Producers
Acquerello is a renowned Italian rice producer based in Livorno Ferraris, Piedmont, known for its commitment to quality and tradition. Established in 1991 by Piero Rondolino, Acquerello operates from Tenuta Colombara, a historic estate in Italy's prime rice-growing region.
The company specializes in Carnaroli rice, often called the king of rices, valued for its superior texture and versatility in cooking. What sets Acquerello apart is its unique aging process - rice is stored in refrigerated silos for at least one year, enhancing starch stability and enriching its flavor.
BEST Acquerello Rice
Riserva San Massimo is a nature reserve and agricultural estate spanning over 600 hectares in the municipality of Gropello Cairoli, in the province of Pavia, Lombardy, Italy. Within the reserve, 200 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of high-quality rice, particularly the Carnaroli variety, which is grown exclusively from 100% certified pure seeds.
At Riserva San Massimo, rice cultivation is not treated as an industrial process but rather as a form of artisan, sustainable agriculture that respects the natural cycles and biodiversity of the region. The entire production process is carried out by hand: from manual harvesting, to low-temperature drying, to careful packaging, all with the goal of preserving the rice's organoleptic properties.
BEST Riserva San Massimo Rice
Riseria Ferron is one of the oldest and most respected rice mills in Italy, located in Isola della Scala, in the heart of the Veneto region. Founded in 1650, this family-owned company is now led by the Ferron brothers, the fifth generation of rice producers.
Ferron is known for its traditional and sustainable cultivation of premium rice varieties such as Vialone Nano and Carnaroli, both especially prized for making authentic Italian risotto. The Ferron rice mill still uses the historic "Pila Vecia" mill, operating without industrial chemicals and irrigated solely with pure spring water.
BEST Riseria Ferron Rice
Tilda is a prestigious international brand specializing in the production of basmati rice, headquartered in the United Kingdom and deeply rooted in Indian tradition. Founded in 1970 in London by the Thakrar family, the name “Tilda” was created by combining the names of the founder’s two daughters – Tila and Daksha.
From the very beginning, Tilda had a clear vision: to offer the Western market authentic, high-quality basmati rice, which was virtually unknown outside the Indian diaspora at the time. Tilda was a pioneer in importing and distributing 100% pure basmati rice in the UK and quickly gained consumer trust thanks to the consistent quality and rich flavor of its products.
Matiz Foods is a company dedicated to bringing authentic Spanish delicacies to the global market. Specializing in gourmet, artisanal products, Matiz partners with small-scale producers, particularly in regions like Galicia, renowned for its rich seafood heritage.
The company offers a wide range of premium items, including tinned seafood, olive oils, and other traditional Spanish foods, all crafted using time-honored methods. Committed to sustainability, fair sourcing, and the preservation of culinary traditions, Matiz Foods ensures that their products are not only delicious but also contribute to the support of local communities.
BEST Matiz Seafood
Canavere is a family-owned company specializing in the production of high-quality rice with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certification. The history of Canavere began in the early 20th century when Paul Benoît purchased the Canavere estate, which dates back to the year 1500.
His son Louis continued the family tradition, and in 1993, Jean-Louis Benoît established the Canavere brand to promote authentic Camargue rice. Canavere offers a wide range of rice varieties, including red, black, white, whole grain, round, and long-grain rice, as well as specialties such as risotto rice and aromatic rice.
BEST Canavere Rice
Riso Magno is an Italian company composed of a team of young professionals dedicated to healthy and authentic products. They specialize in selecting the highest quality 100% Italian rice, grown in the fertile regions of Piedmont, particularly in the Vercelli area, renowned for its premium rice production.
The company prides itself on collaborating with a network of specialized producers who implement sustainable agricultural practices, preserving soil resources and supporting local communities. Their commitment to quality is reflected in the careful supervision of every production stage and the detailed design of their packaging, ensuring the freshness and practicality of their products.
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
World Beer Awards - Gold
2023
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
BEST Brauerei Gebrüder Maisel Beers
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Best European Grains
Acquerello rice, produced by Acquerello in Italy, is a premium Carnaroli rice renowned for its exceptional quality, flavor, and nutritional benefits. Grown and processed at Tenuta Colombara in Livorno Ferraris, Piedmont, Acquerello rice undergoes a unique aging process of at least one year in refrigerated silos.
Aged for superior risotto texture, this process enhances the stability of the starch, resulting in unparalleled creaminess and flavor. The rice is processed using a patented method that reintegrates the germ, preserving essential nutrients while maintaining the integrity of each grain.
Acquerello 8 Anni, an esteemed Italian rice producer, offers an exclusive 8-year-aged Carnaroli rice, representing the pinnacle of their rice aging process. This exceptional product is derived from only 1% of their harvest, meticulously aged in temperature-controlled silos at 15°C for eight years.
This extended aging process stabilizes the starches within the rice grains, resulting in a firmer texture and an enhanced ability to absorb flavors, making it particularly well-suited for gourmet dishes. A unique, patented process reintegrates the rice germ into each grain, preserving the nutritional benefits of whole-grain rice while offering the sensory qualities of white rice.
Carnaroli Classico from Riserva San Massimo is a premium rice that combines the natural richness of a protected environment with the precision of artisanal cultivation. Grown on carefully selected plots within the Lombardy nature reserve, this rice is distinguished by its exceptional grain structure and consistent texture during cooking.
Every stage - harvesting, drying, and packaging - is done by hand, with minimal mechanization, ensuring the preservation of its nutritional and aromatic qualities. The result is a rice of the highest gastronomic standard, ideal for refined recipes and risottos that require the perfect balance of creaminess and firmness.
Arroz Bomba is a premium Spanish rice variety, renowned for its exceptional culinary qualities, especially when used in traditional dishes like paella. It is grown in the protected natural reserve of L’Albufera, near Valencia, where ideal climate and soil conditions contribute to the superior quality of the grains.
What sets Bomba rice apart is its remarkable ability to absorb up to three times its volume in liquid while keeping the grains firm and separate. This allows it to soak up the rich flavors of the dish without losing texture, which is essential for perfect paella and similar rice-based meals.
Riso Vialone Nano from Antica Riseria Ferron is the pinnacle of Italian rice-making tradition and proudly holds the title of being Italy’s first rice to receive IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) status. This certification guarantees its regional authenticity and superior quality, cultivated and processed according to strict standards in the Veneto region.
Classified as a semifino variety, Vialone Nano has medium-sized, round, semi-long grains that release ample starch during cooking. This makes it ideal for preparing creamy and rich risottos, as it holds its shape while absorbing surrounding flavors.
Tilda Pure Basmati Rice is a high-quality basmati rice renowned for its authenticity, aroma, and exceptional texture. It is grown exclusively at the foothills of the Himalayas, where unique climatic conditions and soil contribute to its distinctive characteristics.
This rice is naturally aromatic with a mild, nutty flavor that develops during cooking. It features long, slender grains that remain fluffy and separate after cooking, making it ideal for a variety of dishes. The grains are naturally aged to enhance both aroma and texture.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 1 Star
2024
Riso Magno's Carnaroli Rice is a premium Italian rice variety, highly favored by chefs for its exceptional quality. The grains are notably elongated, pearly in appearance, and possess a slightly sweet flavor. This rice is ideal for preparing al dente risottos, gourmet dishes, and rice salads.
The recommended cooking time is 15 minutes to achieve a perfect al dente texture. Notably, the rice is free from allergens, contains no chemical additives or preservatives, and is non-GMO. It is processed using traditional stone whitening methods, preserving the germ and maintaining the grain's natural properties.
AWARDS
Superior Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Canavere Riz Long Rouge IGP is a high-quality whole grain rice originating from Camargue, a region in southern France renowned for its long-standing rice cultivation tradition. This rice bears the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) label, ensuring its authenticity and local production within 30 km in Camargue.
It is distinguished by its natural reddish-brown color, attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants known for their health benefits, including potential blood sugar reduction. After cooking, the rice remains firm and crunchy, with a subtle hazelnut flavor, making it an excellent addition to various dishes.
The Maisel Helle flows into the glass in the color of sun-dried straw and forms a wonderful contrast with the stately, white head. Visually, the lager looks like an ordinary representative of its kind, but the heavenly fruity aromas of the pale beer are revealed as soon as it is poured.
This lager is no run-of-the-mill lager and you can smell it too: in the nose, gentle notes of earthy stone fruit dance a lively samba with tangy citrus aromas and the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches. The first sip confirms what the aroma already suggested.
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2023
Untappd - 3.4
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