Rice Baldo: what does the name mean, description and characteristics, benefits and harms
Baldo is a large polished rice, which is actively used for making risotto. At the same time, not every person knows what the name of Baldo rice means, its description and characteristics. This cereal has a rich taste. It is characterized by crystal clear grains, which retain their structure and unique taste even after heat treatment.
What is this
Baldo is a medium-grain rice that has elongated grains. They can vary in color - it all depends on the type. Baldo is white, transparent and brown. The latter variety is also often referred to as Piedmontese. This species is considered an expensive product.
It is important to consider that conscientious producers make sure that there are no damaged grains in the package. If these are still found, do not sort the cereal again. After heat treatment, Baldo looks uniform. At the same time, the texture and taste of the dish do not suffer.
Variety features
This variety is obtained from Arborio rice. Baldo is characterized by large and dense grains that do not boil soft during heat treatment. This product perfectly absorbs odors, tastes and liquids.
Classic Baldo is characterized by transparent grains that have a slightly yellowish color. The white variety is characterized by elongated, but not too thin grains. When boiled, they are soft and quite fleshy. This rice is easy to chew.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionPiedmontese Baldo has firm grains of a beautiful honey color. It needs a long heat treatment. It takes at least 40-60 minutes to cook such rice. This rice is based on the classic Baldo and Ribe.Differences from other varieties
Baldo is considered a pure variety. This means that when cooking, it does not need to be drained several times. Rice can be washed 1-2 times or even dispensed with this procedure. Another feature of the product is considered to be a lower starch content.
What chemical elements it consists of
This cereal has a rich and varied composition. The product contains a number of B vitamins:
- B1 - also called thiamine. This substance has a beneficial effect on all systems.
- B2 - This substance is called riboflavin. With its help, it is possible to activate all metabolic processes.
- B6 - also called pyridoxine. This component promotes protein absorption and activates amino acids.
- Folic acid is the vitamin of youth. In addition, this substance stimulates reproductive functions in the body.
Baldo also contains pantothenic and nicotinic acids. In addition, the product contains a number of minerals. This type of rice contains magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron. It also includes zinc, phosphorus, copper. In addition, the product includes 18 amino acids. It contains fatty acids. The energy value of 100 grams of this type of rice is 330 kilocalories.
Dietary benefits
All varieties of Baldo, except for white, are considered ideal for losing weight. At the same time, experts do not recommend using such rice for strict diets. To get rid of excess weight, you need to consider the following:
- eat right - eat rice with vegetables, meat, fish;
- go outside more often;
- do sports;
- have the right attitude.
For weight loss, the classic and brown Baldo varieties are ideal. These foods are high in fiber. They also contain antioxidants. In addition, these products have a lower glycemic index compared to white varieties.
Long grain rice also includes resistant starch. It is a vegetable fiber that promotes weight loss and has a beneficial effect on the entire body.
Useful properties
Since this type of rice contains a lot of B vitamins, it has a beneficial effect on the functions of the nervous system and activates the metabolism in the body. This variety is considered an excellent sorbent. It cleanses the body of excess fluid and removes waste and toxins.
Rice has a delicate texture. Due to this, it gently envelops the walls of the stomach. This allows the product to be used in pathologies of the digestive system. With the systematic use of Baldo, it is possible to achieve the following results:
- improve sleep and get rid of insomnia;
- normalize kidney function;
- reduce bad cholesterol;
- ensure energy for the whole day.
This product is gluten free. Due to this, it does not cause allergic reactions, is easily digested and leads to a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
Contraindications
This type of rice is not recommended for people who are prone to constipation. Cereal can provoke the appearance of colic and flatulence. If such problems occur, it is required to reduce the consumption of rice to 1 time per week.
It is important to consider that with the systematic use of rice there is a threat of rapid removal of potassium from the body. This has a bad effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
Application
Rice Baldo is actively used in cooking. It is especially useful to use the product for the preparation of classic Italian dishes. This cereal is usually used for risotto. Also, this variety is great for cereals, soufflés and puddings.
Such rice is the best complement to dietary dishes. It can be used to lose weight and to fight the pathologies of the digestive system.
To get a tasty and he althy product, it is important to cook Baldo properly. This cereal is not washed before heat treatment. It is important to consider that such rice absorbs a large amount of liquid. Because it is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2.
White and classic Baldo is enough to cook for 20 minutes. The Piedmontese variety needs to be heat treated much more. The duration of cooking reaches 1 hour.
It is recommended to cook rice in a heavy-bottomed pot. In this case, the cereal is recommended to be uniformly distributed in boiling water. First, rice is required to bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce it and wait 10 minutes. To separate the grains, the finished rice must be mixed with a wooden spatula. This must be done hot.
Popular recipes
This variety is perfect for making delicious risotto. This dish has a delicate texture. You can even cook pilaf from Piedmontese Baldo. This cereal is quite hard. When cooked, it retains a crumbly texture.
To prepare a classic risotto, you need to take the following ingredients:
- 1.5 glasses of Baldo;
- 2 medium sized onions;
- 3 medium celery stalks;
- 2 garlic cloves;
- 1 tbsp olive oil;
- 100 grams of butter;
- bunch of parsley;
- 1.5 liters of broth or dry white wine;
- 50 grams each of different types of cheeses - parmesan, talleggio, Gruyère are perfect;
- s alt and pepper.
To prepare a delicious risotto, it is recommended to do the following:
- Take 2 saucepans. In one of them, you need to heat the broth - vegetable, meat or chicken broth is perfect. Heat the olive oil in the second container.
- Put the onion, garlic and celery into the hot oil. Fry all ingredients until translucent.
- Add rice to vegetables. Cook until the oil and vegetable juices are absorbed by the grits. In this case, the rice needs to be constantly stirred.
- Add hot broth and stir constantly again. Controlling liquid absorption, add broth. Keep doing this until the rice is soft, translucent and creamy.
- Put butter, grated cheeses and parsley. Turn off the stove and cover the dish with a lid.
Another delicious dish that can be made from this type of rice is rice milk pudding. It is recommended to use white Baldo for it. To prepare the pudding, you need to take the following ingredients:
- half a cup of rice;
- 1 liter of milk;
- 1 tbsp butter;
- 2 tablespoons of sugar;
- cinnamon;
- vanilla;
- raw yolk;
- raisins.
To make a pudding, you need to do the following:
- Place the rice in a heavy-bottomed pot, add butter, milk, sugar. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. In this case, the mass must be stirred all the time.
- After boiling, reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. The rice will expand and become creamy.
- Remove rice from the stove and add vanilla.
- When the mass cools slightly, you can add the yolk to it and transfer it to the mold.
- Sprinkle pudding with cinnamon before serving.
Veal curry with Baldo is a great option. To do this, take the following products:
- 500 grams of veal;
- 200 grams of Baldo;
- 100 grams of leeks;
- 130 ml dry white wine;
- 500 ml beef broth;
- 1 tbsp olive oil;
- 2 apples;
- 1-2 tbsp curry;
- 3 tablespoons light raisins;
- 3 tablespoons of pine nuts.
To prepare this dish, you need to do the following:
- Fry veal over high heat.
- Add chopped leeks and apples to the same pan and fry for 2 minutes.
- Add rice and heat everything together a little.
- Pour in stock and wine, bring to a boil and reduce heat.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add meat, curry, nuts and raisins.
- Cover and leave for 5-10 minutes.
Rice Baldo is a he althy product that has a positive effect on the body. From it you can cook a number of delicious dishes - risotto, puddings, side dishes, soufflés. It is important to consider contraindications to the use of this product.