converted rice

CONVERTED RICE: Converted rice (also called parboiled rice) is steam-treated before packaging, which gelatinizes the starch in the center of the grain and removes some of the starch from the rice exterior, making the rice less likely to become starchy or sticky when cooked. The rice cooks up with distinct, separate grains, which our tasters found bouncy and a yellowish hue and assertive flavor that we don't like.

Published November 1, 1993. From Cook's Illustrated.