Exploring the world of paella rice: A guide to the variety available of this key ingredient of the iconic dish

The Different Types of Paella Rice

Whenever someone mentions Spanish food, certain dishes are sure to come to mind – what’s the first thing you think of? Perhaps it’s the huge range of tapas – or maybe it’s the fantastic hams – or it could even be churros for breakfast! But close to the top of most people’s list must surely be paella.

But how can one word be enough to describe the huge variety of paellas available? Whether you prefer the traditional Valencian paella, with rabbit, chicken and snails, or a paella that features seafood, or maybe even a vegetarian paella, there is bound to be a version of this versatile dish you’re going to love.

For a great dish you’re going to need great ingredients and, whatever style of paella you prefer, you need to create it with the best – and that starts with the bedrock of paella – the rice.

But did you know that, just as there is variety in the style of paella, there is also variety in paella rice? Let’s look at a few of the best together.

Round Rice:

Round Rice is a short-grain rice, which, as its name suggests, is grown in the region of Valencia, Spain. It has a high starch content, which allows it to absorb liquids well while still maintaining its texture. Round rice is known for its ability to produce a creamy, full-flavoured dish, making it ideal for seafood paellas. And you can be sure of its quality, as this rice has been granted Protected Designation of Origin status.

Bomba Rice:

Bomba Rice is another short-grain rice grown in the region of Valencia. It has an incredibe capacity to absorb three times its volume in liquid while still maintaining its texture and shape. Bomba rice is considered to be the king of paella rice due to its unique cooking properties and exceptional flavour. Bomba is typically used in the most traditional paella recipes, such as Valencian paella – that’s the one that features rabbit, chicken, and snails. Unsurprisingly, for such a great product so closely linked to its own region, Bomba rice has also been granted Protected Designation of Origin status.

Nueva Maratelli Rice:

Maratelli Rice is commonly used in traditional Spanish dishes, including paella. It has a round grain- and if you’re familiar with using Arborio rice in risotto, you’ll see the similarity. Maratelli Round rice is a medium-grain rice that is grown in Spain and has been specifically developed for use in paella. Maratelli has an excellent capacity to absorb large amounts of liquid and maintain its texture, making it ideal for paella dishes.

Vaporised Rice

If you’re the type of person who fears overcooking their rice, we have the perfect answer for you. Our Vaporised rice is another short-grain rice that has a high starch content, which makes it very good for absorbing the flavours of the dish. It has already been partially cooked and subjected to a special process which gives it a faster cooking time. So it’s no wonder so many chefs (and home cooks like you and me) insist on having this high-quality paella rice in their store cupboard.

Rice is the very foundation of a great paella, so it should be obvious that the type and quality of rice you choose sets standard for the whole dish. We hope we’ve given you an insight here to the wonderful variety of rice now available to you to ensure you serve up the perfect paella!

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