Types of Rice

Generally, there are three types of rice available worldwide-Japonica, Indica and Javanica rice. It is very important that you use Japanese short grain rice when making onigiri.

The short and round Japonica rice is cultivated in Japan, Korea, northern China and North America. The grains become sticky when cooked, helping the onigiri to keep its shape even after you bite into it.

The Indica variety is long and narrow and does not become sticky when cooked. It is grown and harvested in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India and North America. Javanica rice grains are larger compared to the other two varieties. It is grown and harvested in South East Asia, Italy and Brazil.