Your questions answered: organic bulk rice and pasta.

What’s the difference between organic rice and regular rice?

Unlike conventionally-grown bulk rice, organic rice has been grown without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, instead using natural methods to encourage growth and keep crops pest-free.

Unfortunately, some of these chemical pesticides and fertilisers leave a residue on the soil and crops. Organic rice is free from these pesticides and is also less processed and free from additives such as colouring and preservatives.

Which rice is gluten-free?

If you have coeliac disease, you’ll be pleased to know that all forms of unprocessed bulk rice, whether white, brown, long or short-grain, is generally gluten-free. This means it can be a staple of a gluten-free diet, although health advice is to eat a variety of whole grains to make sure you get all the vitamins and minerals in your diet.

You may also be interested to know that rice flour is also gluten-free.

Is pasta gluten-free?

If you buy pasta online, you need to know that traditional pasta is typically made from wheat-flour. Luckily, there are many gluten-free alternatives available. Some of our favourites include buckwheat soba noodles and penne made from organic amaranth and rice.

Even if you don’t need to avoid gluten, opting for an organic pasta that isn’t made from white wheat flour - like our 3 grain spaghetti which is made from quinoa, amaranth and rice flour - has health benefits.

How do you store bulk rice and pasta?

If you’re buying bulk pasta or organic rice online, you need to store them correctly. While bulk rice and pasta should both be put in a sealed container in a pantry or cupboard after opening, rice can also also be refrigerated after opening. Consult the packets for use-by dates.

What are the best ways to eat rice and pasta?

There are many delicious recipes featuring organic rice and pasta. How about penne with cherry tomato and eggplant? Or fresh spring pesto pasta?

If rice is your jam, you can’t go past this colourful beetroot risotto or Moroccan rice salad featuring organic basmati rice, chickpeas and lentils.