FAQs
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What makes Village Harvest so special?
Village Harvest goes to extremes for our rice and whole grains. We travel to the ends of the earth to offer the most authentic, premium quality rice available from the lands in which they’re grown. We’ve also pushed the boundaries by freezing our pre-cooked whole grains at -300˚F, unlike conventional frozen vegetables and rice products, which are frozen at -40º.
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Where are Village Harvest products sourced?
Village Harvest travels all over the globe to source a variety of authentic, traditional rice including the base of the Himalayas in India, Thailand and the Po River Valley in the Piedmonte Region of Italy.
We do this because native soils and climates affect the flavor, scent and texture of rice and grains. (This is what wine makers refer to as terroir.) When you buy authentically-sourced rice and grain it tastes, feels and smells exactly as it should; and each will elevate your cooking to the next level. -
How do Village Harvest basmati, jasmine and Arborio rice differ?
Basmati is a long grain rice that is firm and dry when cooked, making it perfect for pilafs and other fluffy rice dishes. Jasmine is also a long grain rice, but it is moister and has a natural flowery scent. Arborio is a short grain rice, which means it is extra moist and essential for a great risotto.
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What makes your basmati so special?
Grown at the base of the Himalayas in India, basmati is long, slender and aromatic. Village Harvest ages its basmati for one year to enhance its natural nutrients and wonderfully nutty flavor.
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Where does Arborio come from?
We harvest our Arborio in the Po River Valley in Northern Italy where the climate is cool and the soil is marshy.
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What is “superfino” grade?
This means it is the best available Arborio rice.
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Do I have to use jasmine rice for Asian dishes?
This versatile long grain rich can be used in a variety of ethnic dishes, but is exceptionally perfect for Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.
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What is Thai Hom Mali?
Thai Hom Mali is authentic jasmine rice grown primarily by small farmers. It is a naturally moist variety with a wonderful aroma and sweet taste, influenced by the soil, monsoon rains and native climate. Jasmine rice is slightly sticky and holds together well in a variety of cuisines. Village Harvest authentic Thai rice is Thai Hom Mali.
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Do you offer any organic products?
Yes. Our organic selection includes organic basmati, organic brown basmati; organic jasmine, organic brown jasmine; and organic Arborio.
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What makes products organic?
“Certified Organic” means that no pesticides, no chemicals and no toxins have been used in the growth process of a product. Chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer and other diseases are not present in these products. Village Harvest organic products are certified in both the country of origin and by the USDA.
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What are the benefits of buying organic?
Organic grains have been shown to offer more nutrients including iron, magnesium and phosphorus than their non-organic counterparts. Choosing organic also means supporting the environment since organic agriculture prevents undesirable chemicals from seeping into the land, water and air we breathe.
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Is any Village Harvest rice or grain gluten free?
All Village Harvest products are currently gluten free.
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What is GABA rice?
GABA, more scientifically known as gamma amino butyric acid, is an amino acid found in plant products--including brown rice--that is an integral part of the human brain and nervous system. In addition to inhibiting overexcitement and relieving stress and anxiety, GABA can reduce muscle tension and increase the release of Human Growth Hormone, which aids in fat reduction and muscle growth. It also may strengthen bones and maintain blood sugar levels, thus assisting weight control.
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Where does Village Harvest source its golden quinoa and why is it special?
Village Harvest travels high in the Andes to harvest our golden quinoa. The Incas called it “the mother of grain” and fed it to their warriors before sending them off to battle. Now people refer to it as a “super grain” since it’s the only plant product that has all eight essential amino acids. That said, each of these nicknames is slightly off. While quinoa is extraordinarily healthy and has been linked to reducing risks of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and migraine, it is actually a seed--not a grain--from a plant related to spinach, beets and Swiss chard.
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How do you pronounce quinoa and what does it taste like?
Quinoa is pronounced Keen-Wah. Fully cooked in about 10-15 minutes, it has a pleasant fluffy consistency and delicate, slightly nutty flavor.
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What makes Village Harvest frozen rice and grains different from others in the market?
After cooking whole grains to perfection, we use cryogenic technology to freeze them at -300˚F in order to keep the integrity of every single piece flawless and whole. Compared to other frozen food products which typically never reach temperatures below -40˚F, Village Harvest frozen grains are in a class of their own.
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Is the process of cryogenic freezing OK for the environment?
Yes. It releases nitrogen into the air. Since nitrogen is one of the components of the air we breathe this is a good thing. In fact, you could say that the process actually takes dirty air in and puts clean air in its place. (Most traditional freezing processes use ammonia.)
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How long does it take to cook Village Harvest frozen pourable whole grains?
It depends on the amount you’re serving. A single portion is heated in less than 60 seconds in the microwave.
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How do I store an open bag of Village Harvest frozen whole grains?
Just close up the bag with a clip or rubber band and you can store it for 18 months in your freezer. (As if you can hold off so long.)
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Can I heat a whole bag of Village Harvest frozen whole grains?
Yes. We recommend pouring it into a microwavable safe bowl rather than heating it in plastic. Or you can heat it in a stovetop pan, with no additional water required.
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Do I have to add ingredients to Village Harvest frozen pourable whole grains to make them taste good?
No. Village Harvest frozen, pourable whole grains are pre-cooked and ready to eat. That said, you can get as creative as you want with them—and we encourage you to do so!
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Why is fiber good for you?
Fiber is filling and aids in digestion. The FDA has acknowledged that it may reduce the risk of certain cancers and the National Institute of Cancer has recommended we eat 25-35 grams of fiber per day.
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How much fiber is in an average serving of Village Harvest frozen whole grains?
About 4 grams. That’s 16% of the recommended daily amount.
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What is the difference between “whole grains” and foods labeled “made with grain”?
Whole grains have both the bran and germ layer intact so they provide greater fiber intake. Many products claim they are made with whole grains, but once processed do not deliver the whole grain benefits. Others products may be made with grains, but you’d have to eat an enormous amount before acquiring the nutritious benefits of a proper serving. When Village Harvest says “whole grains”, you can be sure you are getting an honest to goodness serving of whole grains.
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What are the benefits of eating brown rice?
Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate. Scientific and health studies report benefits of complex carbohydrates include reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. In addition, brown rice has essential fats and oils, manganese, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and B-vitamins. It is also a great source of fiber which aids in digestion and fills you up.
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Does brown rice have a high glycemic index?
No. Whole grains, including brown rice and quinoa, have a low glycemic index making them a good choice for dieters and people with type II diabetes and other dietary health issues.
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Are Village Harvest products made from clean ingredients?
Yes. All Village Harvest products are made from natural ingredients that you can pronounce. We believe that food is meant to be enjoyed in its purest form.