Steam vs Sella Rice
🌾 1. What is Steam Rice?
🔹 Definition:
Steam rice is partially parboiled rice that is steamed under pressure after husking. It retains more of its natural nutrients than raw white rice but less than Sella rice.
🔹 Processing Steps:
- Paddy is soaked in water.
- Then steam is applied before milling.
- The rice is partially gelatinized but retains its white color.
- It’s then milled and polished.
🔹 Features:
- Color: Off-white to ivory.
- Texture: Softer and fluffier than Sella rice when cooked.
- Aroma: Retains more natural rice aroma.
- Cooking time: Medium (longer than raw rice, shorter than Sella).
- Taste: Mild and closer to traditional white rice.
🔹 Best For:
- Daily meals
- South Indian dishes
- Light biryanis or pulao
- Idli/dosa (in ground form)
🌕 2. What is Sella Rice (Parboiled Rice)?
🔹 Definition:
Sella rice is fully parboiled rice where the paddy is soaked, steamed, and dried before milling. This process makes the grain harder, golden in color, and more nutritious.
🔹 Processing Steps:
- Paddy is soaked in water.
- Then fully steamed while still in husk (parboiled).
- Dried completely before de-husking and milling.
- Sometimes aged for months to improve quality.
🔹 Features:
- Color: Golden/yellowish (due to parboiling).
- Texture: Firmer, non-sticky grains after cooking.
- Aroma: Slightly nutty; less natural rice smell.
- Cooking time: Longer.
- Taste: Slightly different from raw rice, more neutral.
🔹 Best For:
- Biryani (especially in restaurants)
- Pulao
- Catering/Hotel food (due to firmness and shelf life)
- Export (popular in Middle East & Africa)
🆚 Steam vs Sella Rice – Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Steam Rice | Sella Rice (Parboiled) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Steamed after husking | Fully parboiled before milling |
| Color | White to off-white | Yellowish/golden |
| Texture (cooked) | Softer, fluffier | Firmer, non-sticky |
| Aroma | More natural rice aroma | Milder or neutral aroma |
| Cooking Time | Moderate | Longer |
| Nutrient Retention | Moderate | High (retains more B vitamins) |
| Shelf Life (cooked) | Shorter | Longer |
| Best For | Home cooking, light meals | Biryani, export, restaurants |
📌 Final Thoughts
- Choose Steam Rice if you want softer, aromatic rice with a shorter cooking time — ideal for daily meals and light dishes.
- Go for Sella Rice if you need firm, long, non-sticky grains that can hold shape in biryanis and buffet-style cooking — perfect for commercial use or special recipes.
