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FAQs
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What are some alternative cooking methods for BEN’S ORIGINAL™ CONVERTED™ Long Grain Rice?
SLOW COOKER
Combine 250 mL (1 cup) rice and 625 mL (2 ½ cups) water. Stir well. Cover and cook on HIGH heat until water is absorbed, about 1½ to 2 hours.DOUBLE BOILER
Bring 560 mL (2 ¼ cups) water to a boil in top section of double boiler. Stir in 250 mL (1 cup) rice. Place over gently boiling water in bottom section of double boiler. Cover and cook until all water is absorbed (approximately 35 minutes).OVEN
Bring the recommended amount of water to a boil. Place the measured amount of rice in a shallow baking pan, pour boiling water over rice. Cover tightly and place in 400°F oven. Bake for 30 minutes, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff rice before serving.SKILLET (REGULAR & ELECTRIC)
Add 250 mL (1 cup) rice and 625 mL (2 ½ cups) water in a skillet and stir. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes.STEAMER
Use boiling water and place rice and water in steamer or steam table pan. Stir. Place uncovered in steamer and cook according to manufacturer's directions OR using 10 pounds pressure, cook for 15–20 minutes.WOK (REGULAR OR ELECTRIC)
Add 250 mL (1 cup) rice and 560 mL (2 ¼ cups) water to a wok and stir. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until water is absorbed (approximately 20 to 25 minutes).RICE COOKER
Ricecookers vary and you may need to adjust the amount of water to obtain the desired rice texture. Follow the rice cooker manufacturer’s directions for cooking rice. Typically usingHow do I cook large-quantity batches of BEN’S ORIGINAL™ CONVERTED™ Long Grain Rice?
Use the following measurements for large quantity cooking directions for BEN’S ORIGINAL™ CONVERTED™ Long Grain Rice:
Number of Servings 185 mL (3/4 cup) prepared rice Uncooked Rice (Dry Rice) Water 10 625 mL (2 ½ cups) 1250 mL (5 cups) 20 1250 mL (5 cups) 2500 mL (10 cups) 40 2500 mL (10 cups) 5000 mL (20 cups) 100 6250 mL (25 cups) 12500 mL (50 cups) If there is too much water, the heat was too low or the rice did not boil for an adequate amount of time. The consumer can drain off the excess.
If there is not enough water, the flame/heat was too high during the boiling process, the saucepan was too large and it caused an excessive evaporation of water. You can add more water and cook longer. Too large a pan used causing excessive evaporation of water. Use smaller pan.
My BEN’S ORIGINAL™ CONVERTED™ Long Grain Rice isn’t cooking the way I expected. What am I doing?
COOKING PROBLEMS
HARD/FIRM RICE
Reason 1: Not enough liquid. Add more liquid and cook longer. Reason 2: Too large a pan used causing excessive evaporation of water. Use smaller pan.
STICKY/MUSHY RICE
Reason 1: Avoid stirring during cooking and set aside time. Reason 2: Cooked too long. Reduce cooking time. Reason 3: Holding large quantity in pan after liquid is absorbed. When preparing two or more cups, immediately transfer the cooked rice to serving dish.
WATERY RICE
Reason 1: Incorrect proportions may have been used (measure accurately). Reason 2: Cooking heat may be too low during the simmering step. Use higher heat. Reason 3: Cooking method used may not result in dry rice. Remove cover after cooking and leave on very low heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until water is absorbed.
DRY/HARD RICE
Reason 1: The cooking heat may have been too high causing the liquid to evaporate too fast. Because heating elements on stoves may vary (gas or electric), we recommend reducing the heat level during simmering.Can you please provide some ingredient substitutions when cooking BEN’S ORIGINALTM CONVERTEDTM Long Grain Rice?
INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTION
BROTH/JUICE
To add extra flavour without adding fat, replace water with broth, bouillon or consommé (chicken, beef or vegetable flavours). You may also replace water with fruit or vegetable juices.How do I read the Nutrition Facts Label?
Health Canada has issued new regulations affecting the Nutrition Facts table and Ingredient List. The updates to the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients will make it easier to understand thus helping Canadians to make informed choices.
To learn more please visit Understanding food labels - Canada.ca(open in new tab)What are some alternative cooking methods for BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice?
SLOW COOKER
We do not recommend cooking BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice in a slow cooker.MICROWAVE
BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice can be cooked in the microwave. However, for best results we recommend using the stovetop cooking method. We recommend that the directions on the box be followed for best results.OVEN
We do not recommend using uncooked BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice for oven baking recipes. For best results, follow a kitchen-tested BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice recipe. If not using a recipe, we recommend that the rice be cooked according to the package directions prior to being added to the rest of the ingredients.PRESSURE COOKER
We do not recommend using a pressure cooker because rice tends to foam when cooking. The foam could clog the vent in the cooker, which would be dangerous.RICE COOKER
We do not recommend cooking BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice in a rice cooker. It does not achieve the desired texture results.STOVETOP
This is the recommended method of making this product. Please follow the directions on the box for best results.How should I store my BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Brand Products?
DRY PLAIN RICE PRODUCTS
UNCOOKED RICE
Uncooked plain dry rice will keep almost indefinitely on the pantry shelf. The rice should be kept in a cool, dry, insect-free area at a temperature of less than 80°F, with no foods or materials nearby whose aromas can be absorbed.
For best cooking results and flavour, we recommend that the shelf life of BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Brand Dry Rice Products be followed. In the refrigerator, uncooked rice can be stored 6 months to a year, and in the freezer for 1 to 2 years. When freezing rice, be sure you remove excess air from the container to avoid freezer burn. To cook raw rice that has been previously frozen, thaw to room temperature prior to cooking.
COOKED RICE
Cooked plain rice products must be kept warm at 160°F if being left out for serving. Cooked plain rice products can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, and in the freezer for 6 months. Again, make sure it's isolated from any strong aromas. When freezing rice, be sure you remove excess air from the freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
DRY BROWN RICE PRODUCTS
UNCOOKED RICE
Since the outside bran layer of each grain has more natural oil on it, uncooked brown rice can become rancid faster than white rice Therefore, the recommended shelf life for this product is 16 months. Refrigerator storage is recommended for longer shelf life. It can be stored in the freezer for 1 to 2 years. When freezing rice, be sure you remove excess air from the freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. To cook raw rice that has been previously frozen, thaw to room temperature prior to cooking.
COOKED RICE
Cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days and in the freezer for 2 months. When freezing rice, be sure to remove excess air from the container to avoid freezer burn.
DRY SEASONED RICE PRODUCTS
UNCOOKED RICE
Uncooked Seasoned Dry Rice Products have a shorter shelf life than Plain Rice Products and will keep on the shelf for 12 months. The rice should be kept in a cool, dry, insect-free area at a temperature of less than 80°F, with no foods or materials nearby whose aromas can be absorbed. We do not recommend storing Seasoned Dry Rice Products in the refrigerator. For best cooking results and best flavor, the shelf life of BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Brand Dry Rice Products should be followed.
COOKED RICE
Cooked Seasoned Rice Products can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days and in the freezer for 3 months. Again, make sure it's isolated from strong aromas. When freezing rice, be sure you remove excess air from the freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Ready to Heat Rice Pouches
We do not recommend that unopened BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Ready to Heat Rice Pouches be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Once the product has been opened, it can keep in the refrigerator for approximately 3 to 5 days.
Should I rinse my rice before or after cooking?
RINSING RICE
BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Brand Products do not have to be rinsed before or after cooking.How do I re-heat BEN’S ORIGINAL™ rice?
REHEATING RICE
To reheat cooked rice, add 30 mL (2 Tbsp.) of liquid per 250 mL (1 cup) of rice. Cover and heat about 5 minutes on top of the range. If warming in a microwave oven, heat on high about 1-½ minutes per cup.How do you keep rice warm before serving?
KEEPING RICE WARM
We do not recommend that rice be left out after cooking. Cooked rice should be kept warm (about 160°F). If entertaining, we suggest keeping rice warm in the oven, warming table, steamer or slow cooker until it is ready to be served.How do I make large quantity batches of BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice?
COOKING MULTIPLE POUCHES
For best results, we do not recommend cooking more than 2 BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag pouches at a time. If more than two pouches must be cooked, more water must be placed in the pot and this affects the cooking time (longer time for the amount of water to boil). This may also affect the texture of the cooked rice.My BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice isn't cooking the way I expected. What should I do?
HARD/FIRM RICE
If the rice is still hard after the cooking time, the rice pouch needs to simmer longer.SOFT/MUSHY RICE
If the rice is soft after the cooking time, it has simmered too long. Reduce the cooking time.I'm new to cooking BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Boil-in-Bag Rice. Do you have any tips?
COOKING WITHOUT THE POUCH/BAG
For best results we do not recommend taking the rice out of the pouch to cook. If it needs to be cooked without the pouch, cook the rice similar to cooking pasta. Use 750-1000 mL (3 to 4 cups) of water, boil uncovered for 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and drain (using a drainer with holes smaller than the rice grains). Pour rice into a serving dishfluff with fork and serve.WHAT TO DO IF POUCH STICKS/MELTS TO THE SAUCEPAN?
If the pouch is sticking to the side of a saucepan, there is either not enough water in the saucepan or a larger saucepan is required. The pouches must be completely submerged. If the pouch has melted on the saucepan, add water to the saucepan (enough to cover the melted plastic) and a few tablespoons of cream of tartar or baking soda. Bring the water to a simmer. It should release the plastic from the pan with slight scraping with a spatula after the pan has been simmering for a few minutes.What are some alternative cooking methods for BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Wholegrain Brown Rice?
SLOW COOKER Add 250 mL (1 cup) rice and 670 mL (2 ⅔ cups) water. Cover and cook on HIGH heat until all liquid is absorbed, about 3 hours.
OVEN
Combine rice and HOT water in a shallow tray. Stir. Cover and bake in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed. Remove from oven and keep warm (160°F). Fluff rice before serving.PRESSURE COOKER
We do not recommend using a pressure cooker because rice tends to foam when cooking. The foam could clog the vent in the cooker, which would be dangerous.RICE COOKER DIRECTIONS
Rice cookers are easy to use and keep rice warm until you are ready to eat. follow individual manufacturers' directions.In general, all ingredients are combined using 60-125 mL (¼ to ½ cup) less liquid than for the top-of-the-range method.
When cooking BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Wholegrain Brown Rice in a rice cooker, use the following proportions: 2 parts liquid to 1 part dry rice.
STEAMER
Combine rice and HOT water in steamer or steam table pan. Stir. Cover and steam using 14 pounds pressure, until most of the water is absorbed (about 20 minutes). Stir. Remove from steamer and keep warm (160°F).How do I cook large-quantity batches of BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Wholegrain Brown Rice?
Large Quantity Cooking Measurements
Here are the basic proportions for cooking large quantities of BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Wholegrain Brown Rice:
Number of Servings 185 mL (3/4 cup) prepared rice Uncooked Rice (Dry Rice) Water 10 625 mL (2 ½ cups) 1250 mL (5 cups) 20 1250 mL (5 cups) 2500 mL (10 cups) 40 2500 mL (10 cups) 5000 mL (20 cups) 100 6250 mL (25 cups) 12500 mL (50 cups) My BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Wholegrain Brown Rice isn't cooking the way I expected. What am I doing?
COOKING PROBLEMS
HARD/FIRM RICE
Reason 1: Not enough liquid. Add more liquid and cook longer.
Reason 2: Too large a pan used causing excessive evaporation of water. Use smaller pan.STICKY/MUSHY RICE
Reason 1: Avoid stirring during cooking and set aside time.
Reason 2: Cooked too long. Reduce cooking time.
Reason 3: Holding large quantity in pan after liquid is absorbed. When preparing two or more cups, immediately transfer the cooked rice to serving dish.WATERY RICE
Reason 1: Incorrect proportions may have been used (measure accurately).
Reason 2: Cooking heat may be too low during the simmering step. Use higher heat.
Reason 3: Cooking method used may not result in dry rice. Remove cover after cooking and leave on very low heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until water is absorbed.Can you please provide some ingredient substitutions when cooking BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Wholegrain Rice?
INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTION
BROTH/JUICE
To add extra flavour without adding fat, replace water with broth, bouillon or consommé (chicken, beef or vegetable flavors). You may also replace water with fruit or vegetable juices.BROWN RICE INSTEAD OF WHITE OR WILD RICE FOR RECIPE
Brown rice can be used in recipes instead of white or wild rice. However, the cooking time is longer for brown rice, so adjust your recipe accordingly.BROWN RICE INSTEAD OF WHITE RICE FOR PUDDING
Brown rice can be used in rice pudding recipes instead of white rice. However, the cooking time is longer for brown rice, so adjust your recipe accordingly.
