Increasingly consumed, vegetable milks such as soy milk, oat milk or rice milk are very popular with young and old. Among the trendiest, rice milk is a vegetable milk that is a good alternative to cow’s milk. It can be drunk by anyone, even those with food intolerances. In addition to its taste qualities, this drink has many health benefits. Where does rice milk come from? How to prepare it? What virtues does it bring? How to consume it? Overview of rice milk.
Origins of rice milk
Is qualified as vegetable milk any drink obtained from a plant to obtain a texture and characteristics similar to that of an animal milk such as cow’s or sheep’s milk. Thus, rice milk, otherwise known as rice juice or rice drink, is a beverage obtained through the transformation of the cereal that is rice. However, it should be emphasized that the word “milk” cannot be used to describe plant-based products sold in the European Union, Canada and Switzerland.
How to make rice milk?
Making your own rice milk is a very economical option. Indeed, only 80 g of rice are needed to make a liter of drink. Nevertheless, it is not always easy to achieve such a good result as purchased brick ones. Indeed, homemade recipes do not contain additives that improve the texture or preservatives. Here is the recipe to follow to make homemade rice milk:
For half a liter of milk, you need:
- Soak 40 g of rice in half a liter of filtered water for 12 hours;
- Blend the rice for 2 minutes;
- Strain the milk into a vegetable milk bag and serve.
It is possible to add a little salt, maple syrup, agave syrup or vanilla to the preparation.
Another recipe is:
- Soak the rice for 24 hours;
- Drain and rinse;
- Bring to boil;
- Leave to stand for 15 minutes and pass through the blender;
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove rice particles
Which rice to choose to make vegetable milk?
There are several varieties of rice to make rice juice. It is possible to use whole, semi-whole basmati rice or round rice. All varieties of rice can be used to concoct this revitalizing and remineralizing drink. However, it is wiser to bet on brown rice to benefit from a better mineral intake.
Composition of rice milk
Rice milk is a drink rich in carbohydrates, which explains its slightly sweet taste. Industrial recipes are also enriched with sugar. Indeed, the manufacturers add a little sugar in their recipe to give it more taste. However, there are versions without added sugar that fit more easily into sweet or savory recipes. Rice juice, on the other hand, is low in fat. It contains only 1 g of lipids per 100 g. It therefore does not contain cholesterol . In addition, the rice drink is rich in silica which promotes the storage of calcium .
Nutritional value of rice milk
Free of gluten and lactose, rice milk is very rich in nutrients . In 100 g of this beverage, there is:
- Over 0.46g of protein ;
- 10.8g carbohydrates;
- 5.6g of sugar;
- 0.35 g starch ;
- 0.5g dietary fibre ;
- 1 g of lipids;
- 87.6g of water.
Rice milk, how many calories?
Rice milk provides about 53 kilocalories per 100 ml. An energy contribution that seems minimal at first sight. However, it contains a lot of carbohydrates and can easily tip the scales if not consumed in moderation.
What season for rice milk?
As rice is available all year round, rice milk can be consumed in any season. It is also available in bottle or brick in supermarkets. In the trade, it is called “rice drink”.
Why drink rice milk? What are its health benefits?
Easy to digest and full of nutrients, rice juice is an ideal beverage for maintaining good health. It is also a good alternative to cow’s milk for babies. Here are some good reasons to drink rice milk instead of cow’s milk:
Suitable for vegetarians
Exclusively composed of water and plants (rice), rice milk is 100% plant-based. It is therefore suitable for a vegetarian diet and for people who do not consume food from animals.
Low in cholesterol
Containing very little fat, rice milk is less fatty than almond milk, soy milk or hazelnut milk. Also, it does not contain cholesterol. It is therefore ideal for those who are prone to hypercholesterolemia.
Remineralizing
Although it is low in protein, rice milk provides a considerable amount of B vitamins. Compared to cow’s milk, it is low in calcium. However, it contains silica which promotes its fixation in the body. In addition, on the market, there are calcium-enriched rice drinks.
Slimming ally
Containing no bad fat , rice milk is a real ally of the diet. In addition, the fibers it contains regulate the feeling of hunger . It can therefore be taken as a snack to calm cravings without taking a single gram. Integrated into recipes, it replaces fat and makes it possible to create light preparations.
Dangers and contraindications of rice drink
The main drawback of rice milk is its high glycemic index. Indeed, the sugar contained in this beverage is composed of fast sugars which are quickly assimilated by the body, unlike oat milk which contains mainly slow sugars.
In addition, like any vegetable milk, rice milk can mislead and cause dietary imbalances. Indeed, unlike cow’s milk, vegetable milk contains little protein and calcium. Drinking it at breakfast with cereals is also not recommended, because it increases carbohydrate levels in addition to causing a spike in glucose and hypoglycemia in the middle of the day. Calcium intake from rice milk is also very low.
How to consume rice milk? Our slimming recipes
Low in calories and with a neutral taste, rice milk is suitable for both savory and sweet dishes. The following recipes based on rice milk will delight the taste buds of the most gourmet:
Rice milk hot chocolate
Light and easy to make, coffee and hot chocolate made from rice milk are ideal for enjoying a hot drink without getting fat. Simply heat the milk and add coffee (liquid or instant powder), or cocoa powder. For more smoothness, it is advisable to put a little cashew milk or almond milk.
Rice milk coconut cake
In the recipe for a rice milk cake, simply replace the yogurt in the original recipe with rice milk. For the preparation you need:
- Beat two egg yolks with 160 g of sugar;
- Add 160 g of flour mixed with a sachet of baking powder;
- Melt 50 g of margarine and pour in 15 cl of rice milk;
- To mix everything ;
- Sprinkle with grated coconut pulp;
- Whip the egg whites before incorporating the previously prepared batter;
- Bake at 160°C for 15 to 20 minutes.
Rice milk pancakes
To make pancakes with rice milk, you need:
- Beat 2 eggs into an omelet;
- Gradually add 160 g of T65 type flour;
- Pour 50 cl of lukewarm rice milk;
- Add salt or sugar;
- Cook in the pan.
How to store rice milk?
Homemade rice milk should be drunk as soon as possible after preparation. In the refrigerator, it does not keep for more than 48 hours. To do this, it must be put in an airtight container.
