Virgen de la Esperanza Semi-Brown Calasparra Rice Arroz (2.2 lbs/1 kilo)

Calasparra Rice is a unique, centuries-old short grain rice with a leisurely maturing process - thirty percent slower than other kinds of rice. This longer growing cycle produces kernels that are exceptionally dehydrated - ready to absorb even more of the tasty sauces and flavors of paella broth and other Mediterranean recipes. To make semi-brown rice, our farmer in Calasparra removes just the outer shell of the rice, retaining much of the nutritional value of brown rice. True brown rice would take twice as long to cook which would not work for paella. So we offer the best of both worlds - many of the benefits of brown rice but the same cooking time as white rice. Since rice is the bedrock of paella, using top quality paella rice is essential. This special rice has been used for paellas for centuries - producing grains of rice that are al dente, but still filled with all of the flavors of the paella broth. Calasparra is a spectacular rice growing region where cool mountain water floods fields using a system created by the Romans. The result is rice ideal for paella, able to absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth without breaking down. Normal brown rice will break apart and create a mushy paella, while Calasparra semi brown rice retains its shape and texture. Calasparra rice is grown in cold water conditions which means the rice takes much longer to mature. The result is a much harder, more dehydrated rice that can absorb much more broth and still stay al dente. And the rice is the key ingredient to paella - a reason why many paellas are called 'arroces' in Spain. Other short grained rice will not work for paella - Arborio is bred to be creamy, while Asian short grained rice is sticky.

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