where do you buy your aborio rice?

[brendat4]

I have enjoyed all the new recipes featured in CL lately that use aborio rice (risotto). Right now I'm using some that I bought quite awhile ago in bulk at a health food store. I'm getting low and wondered where you all buy yours? I've checked my local grocery store, but they don't have this--only long-grain, brown, wild & basmati type rices. I love RICES! If I were to request that they stock it what exactly do I ask for (do I say aborio, risotto or short-grain rice?)

Today I bought the ingredients to make the Cuban Rice pudding so will post a review in the next few days after I make it. Thanks!

Brenda :-)

[chefbec]

I always buy mine at our local market. It's sold in a box.

[emilycat]

I buy my arborio rice at Whole Foods, where I can buy it in bulk or pre-packaged, but if you'd like to ask your grocery store to stock it, request arborio rice. If you're interested in making whole-grain risottos http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif , you may want to drop some hints for short-grained brown rice, too.

Risotto is not actually a type of rice; it's a dish that's traditionally made with arborio rice -- you can also make risottos with other short-grained rices and barley.

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 05-08-2001).]

[KimKelly]

Trader Joes!

[Jewel]

I usually can't find Arborio on a shelf, and if I do I spend way too much money for it! I've always been able to find it at a grocery with a 'bulk foods' section. In my area it's QFC or Top Foods (Haagen). Also much cheaper in bulk!

[sneezles]

Brenda,
In the US we actually have 3 classes of rice, long, medium and short. Aborio rice is a medium grain. But I would ask for it by the name not grain length.

[brendat4]

Thanks emilycat. I think I will try asking for it at my local grocery store, but in the mean time I guess a trip to Whole Foods is in order. Unfortunately I don't have one near me but there is a brand new big one in "the city" that I'd like to check out anyway. I'll just plan to stock up when I'm there!

[brendat4]

Hi Sneezles,

I am confused a bit by what you say. I checked the three most recent recipes I have made (from CL issues) and they all specify to use "Aborio rice or other short-grain rice". To me that would seem that Aborio rice is a short grain rice, no?

Originally posted by sneezles:
Brenda,
In the US we actually have 3 classes of rice, long, medium and short. Aborio rice is a medium grain. But I would ask for it by the name not grain length.

[Lemur]

I just buy a box of Goya's arborio rice in the Mexican/International foods section of the supermarket. I'm contemplating going wholesale though, since I've recently fallen in love with risottos.

[Wendy w]

Trader Joe's all the way!!

[sneezles]

I guess it can get confusing but it is only in the US that 3 categories are mentioned but maybe CL just makes it easier by calling it a short grain. Long grain is any variety with grains 3-5 tomes longer than they are wide, medium grain is 2-3 times longer than it is wide, and short grain has almost spherical grains and yields a very sticky, chewy result when cooked. The short grain is also ground into rice flour, to be used as a thickening agent.

[valeriek]

Another vote for Trader Joe's!