Tips

Should I buy rice by weight or by bag?

When buying rice, many people wonder whether to choose rice sold by weight or rice packaged in bags to get the best quality rice.

Administrator

23 December, 2023

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If in the past, Vietnamese people only bought rice by weight, in recent years, in addition to this “traditional” form, rice is also packed in nylon bags with different weights: 10kg, 5kg, 2kg, and even just 1kg. The packaging not only specifies the name of the rice and weight but also provides information on the origin and source.

With many options, many consumers are unsure whether to buy rice by weight or in bags to maximize the benefits.

Should you buy rice by weight or in bags?

To be able to give the right answer, first, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Pre-packaged rice

With pre-packaged rice, consumers can easily find and identify the brand of rice thanks to the information on the packaging. This helps consumers feel more at ease because once the brand name and address are printed on the product, the manufacturer is required to maintain reputation by ensuring maximum product quality.

Pre-packaged rice products with proper labels must also comply with food safety regulations and industry standards. Customers do not need to worry about the possibility of being cheated when buying by weight at the market.

Packaging rice in different weights also allows consumers to choose according to their needs. For example, families with few members or those on a low-carb diet may choose 1-2kg packs to avoid storing rice for too long and reduce quality.

Should you buy rice by weight or in bags? (Image: Vntopfood)

Unpackaged rice

Unpackaged rice is usually sold in rice stores and is put into large bags or containers without labels, making it difficult for consumers to recognize and differentiate the rice variety, brand, and origin. If you are not knowledgeable about rice, you can only rely on the words of the seller and it is challenging to verify.

However, when buying unpackaged rice, consumers can directly feel and evaluate the product through sight, smell, and touch. They are allowed to look at, touch, and smell the grains of rice before making a purchase decision. If you want to buy a small quantity to try, buying rice by weight is a good option.

So, should you buy rice by weight or in bags? The choice depends entirely on the usage needs of the family. Many people who have a good understanding of rice and know how to recognize new and good-quality rice often prefer to buy by weight to assess by themselves. On the other hand, the price of rice sold by weight in rice stores is usually more flexible.

In terms of safety, packaged rice has an advantage. Packaging not only makes it convenient for consumers to choose and provides clear information but also ensures hygiene. Packaged rice is sealed, preventing air moisture and mold. Many manufacturers also vacuum-pack the rice bags, which improves preservation time and facilitates transportation.

Tips for choosing good-quality, new rice

To choose new, fragrant, and unadulterated rice, you can apply the following tips:

Buy rice in the harvest season

Buy rice in the fresh harvest season, and you will have a pot of rice that is not only fragrant and sticky but also sweet and substantial when eaten.

Observe the color of the rice

By looking at the color, you can differentiate between new and old rice. The normal color of rice is pale white, although it can vary depending on the variety and conditions. However, new rice usually has a slightly cloudy, white appearance and a certain hardness.

If the rice is darker or even slightly yellow and dull, it may have been stored for too long, and its nutritional value and flavor will decrease. Rice that has been chemically treated will appear shiny and white due to bleaching.

Tips for choosing good-quality, new rice (Image: Istock)

Smell the rice

Rice with an unnatural fragrance or a strong, unpleasant smell is usually old or rice that has been artificially scented. This type of rice will lose its fragrance after being cooked or within a few days of purchase.

When buying rice in large quantities, you can heat it up in your hands and smell it. If you smell a natural, fragrant aroma, it is high-quality rice. On the other hand, if the rice has no fragrance or even has an unpleasant smell, it may have expired.

Taste the rice

A small tip to choose new and clean rice is to chew a few grains of raw rice. If you feel a natural, sweet and fragrant taste with a light stickiness in your mouth, that is good rice. Conversely, if the rice is too soft or too hard, coarse in texture, has no fragrance, or loses its fragrance, it is poor-quality rice.

Use a paper towel to test

By observing the moisture and oil absorption of a paper towel, you can assess whether the rice is old or new, of high quality or not. All you need to do is take a piece of paper towel, place the rice on top, and wrap it. Then, hold the wrapped rice in your hand and squeeze tightly for about 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, open the paper towel and observe its surface.

If there are white powder particles on the towel, it means the rice is fresh and of good quality because new rice has more starch on the surface. On the other hand, if there are oil or wax marks and the rice grains stick and do not come off, it is old rice and should not be purchased.

Burn the rice

You can prepare a spoonful of rice and use a lighter to burn it. If you smell a pleasant aroma, it is new rice. If there is an unusual smell (such as a burnt smell), it means the rice is old and has been treated.

According to VTC News