To prepare a good paella, you absolutely must use round rice, and it’s even better if it’s a DO-certified rice from Valencia. There are several types of DO-certified Valencian rice, which we’ll explore in this article.
What varieties of rice are used in a paella?
You must use round rice. The rice of Valencia benefits from a Denominación de Origen (DO), which is the equivalent of the French AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée). Today, three varieties of rice are grouped under this DO. They are Senia, Bomba, and Albufera rice. DO-certified rice from Valencia is recognizable by the Arroz de Valencia D.O. logo.
The Bomba Rice Variety
Bomba rice is quite expensive compared to other types of rice. This is due to its limited production capacity; it yields much less than other rice species on the same production surface. It is a very old variety of rice. Its main advantage is its resistance to overcooking. This makes it ideal for all beginner cooks wanting to try their hand at making a paella. Thanks to its physical characteristics, it is simple to cook. However, it requires a longer cooking time, around 18 to 20 minutes, depending on the package. It is also perfectly suited for paellas that are prepared in advance, especially for events where the aperitif lasts longer than planned!
The Senia Rice Variety
Senia rice is the most common paella rice. It is also the cheapest on the market. Its yield is very high, which reduces its price. It includes sub-varieties such as jsendra, montsianell, gleva, and senia bahía, which explains the name combinations you might see. It is more difficult to cook because, unlike Bomba rice, it does not resist overcooking. You must stop the cooking as soon as it has reached its perfect cooked state! It takes between 15 and 16 minutes to cook, at most. It is beloved for its ability to absorb flavors and for its creamy texture.
The Albufera Rice Variety
Albufera rice is a very recent variety. It is the newest rice variety within the Valencia DO. It is a cross between Bomba and Senia rice to preserve only their best aspects: resistance to overcooking, creaminess, and flavor absorption. It has found its audience thanks to the many compromises it offers.
You can find more information about Valencia DO rice on the official website of the appellation.
Other Round Rice Varieties
Rice farming is not limited to the Valencia region of Spain. Round rice is also cultivated in other Spanish regions. There are other types of rice with a PDO, notably rice from the Ebro Delta, or arroz del Delta del Ebro.
Which Rice Should You Choose?
Before choosing a rice, it is important to consider the conditions under which you will be preparing your paella.
What is the event you are preparing the paella for?
It is wise to choose the rice based on when the paella will be eaten. If the paella is eaten as soon as it is finished cooking, Senia rice or Albufera rice are suitable. It is better to avoid Bomba rice in this context.
If, on the other hand, you tend to prepare the paella and then start the aperitif, you should choose Bomba rice. It will hold up longer after cooking.
Which types of rice should you avoid?
You should forget about all other types of rice: Thai rice, long-grain rice, Basmati rice, Japonica rice, risotto rice, etc. Preparing a paella absolutely requires round rice.
Where to Buy Paella Rice?
First, are you able to easily find these types of rice near you? From experience, it is quite difficult in France to get paella rice. Supermarkets rarely offer this type of rice. It is easier to find in the South of France. However, the internet is the perfect place to get supplies directly from producers or from specialized stores.
Which brands do you recommend?
You can find dozens of DO-certified rice producers from Valencia. It would be difficult to list them all. Here are a few: Arroz La Fallera, arroz José Montoro, or arroz Santo Tomás (Antonio Tomás). Don’t limit yourself to these few names, as there are many brands and producers. Some rices are cheaper than others. Some are found in the majority of Spanish supermarkets, while others are rarer.
There are also other producers who do not have the Valencia DO but who offer Bomba rice at more affordable prices.
Our family regularly uses Bomba Illa de Riu rice. It is produced by a grower in the Ebro Delta. This is the best variety of rice offered by this rice farmer. This rice has also won awards in various agricultural competitions. The rice is cultivated at the mouth of the Ebro River. It benefits from soil rich in nutrients and the proximity of salt water, which gives it a special flavor and texture.
How to store paella rice?
Bags of rice can be stored in your refrigerator if it is not too humid.
Once opened, pour the rice into a container to protect it from pantry moths. They could quickly contaminate your rice and all nearby food items.
