Rice is, according to the USA Rice Federation, the most commonly used grain in the world. Found in nearly every culture, rice is low in fat and calories and in its brown variety, a nutritionally dense food.

Brown rice gets its color, flavor and texture from the bran layers that remain on the rice when it goes through the hulling process. It's milled for less time than white rice, which is why it retains the bran layers and is known for being a healthy source of fiber and for its chewy texture and nut-like flavor.

Ingestion of brown rice or its products sometimes causes allergic reactions. This may result from contamination or the inclusion of food additives derived from sources other than rice.

Garbanzo beans -- or chickpeas -- are the most commonly consumed legume in the world. Garbanzos are a good source of vitamins B6, C and zinc. They’re high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, and are an excellent source of protein.

If you're making homemade marshmallow or crispy rice squares, or if you just want to harden regular commercial marshmallows, remember that marshmallows become hard through exposure to air and cool temperatures. Storing them in a tightly closed container is the best way to keep them soft and fresh.

Rice contains versatile complex carbohydrates that can help provide your body with fuel for energy. Of the numerous varieties of rice, the two people consume the most are white and brown.

Millions of Americans have never heard of congee, but it’s as common in many Asian countries as oatmeal or mac and cheese. In its most basic form, congee is relatively low in calories, although it’s not very nutritionally rich.

Uncle Ben's Converted Rice is parboiled, meaning that the rice grains were steamed before they were husked. This process infuses the grains with many nutrients that would otherwise have been thrown away with the husk.

Typical instructions for cooking rice on the stove include covering the rice after it boils. This steams the rice in addition to simmering.

Whether you are cooking Arborio, basmati or risotto, your Rival rice cooker can consistently deliver a fluffy serving of grains if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Although features and capacity vary by model, most Rival rice cookers are constructed similarly and operate under the same general principles.

Fried rice dishes are standard fare on Chinese food restaurant menus. The side dish comes in a variety of forms ranging from vegetarian preparations to more substantial protein-based options made with shrimp, chicken or beef.

According to the University of California at Davis Biological Science Department, the consumption of rice has occurred since 2,500 B.C.; rice has been a staple food source longer than any other food. It is a versatile crop and can be used in main dishes, desserts, beverages and snacks.