The question is Ofada rice brown rice has been on the lips of every lover and consumer of the traditional dish cultivated by the Ogun State people of Nigeria. What is the right answer to this question? Let’s find out in the discourse below.

Ofada rice is not the same as brown rice, but it can be categorized as either brown/red Ofada rice or white Ofada rice based on the colour of the unmilled seeds. Ofada rice is a Nigerian local rice that is known for its unique flavour and aroma. It is made from a blend of African rice (Oryza glaberrima) and Asian rice (Oryza sativa).

The grains of Ofada rice typically have a brownish or off-white colour because the outer bran layer of the rice grain is not polished or removed during processing, giving it a slightly brownish or beige hue.

Brown rice, on the other hand, refers to rice that has had only the outermost layer, known as the hull, removed. The bran layer and germ are still intact, giving brown rice a natural brown colour.

Brown rice is considered to be a whole grain and retains more of its natural nutrients and fibre compared to white rice, which has had the bran layer and germ removed through milling.

What’s the Difference Between Brown Rice and Ofada Rice?

The difference between Brown and Ofada rice is quite thin but they are not the same. Ofada Rice is the local, Nigerian unpolished rice which is non-genetically modified.

It is the short, robust and brown rice cultivated mostly in Ogun State and some other states in western Nigeria. It is identified with brown stripes because it is unpolished and when it’s cooked it emits a special Ofada Rice aroma.

What Type of Rice is Ofada Rice?

Ofada rice is mostly blends, and usually contains Oryza glaberrima (African rice) as well as the more common Oryza sativa Asian rice, and may be categorized as either brown/red Ofada or white Ofada based on unmilled seed colour.

Grain size, shape, and shade vary. Ofada rice is unpolished.

How Healthy is Ofada Rice?

Ofada rice contains vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E, and minerals that make the body strong and boost the immune system against disease.

The number of antioxidants in Ofada rice is 20-30 times more than that in white rice, and that is a major reason why it should be in our meal plan.

In summary, while both Ofada rice and brown rice have a brownish colour due to the presence of the bran layer, they are not the same. Ofada rice is a unique type of rice with a distinct flavour, made from a blend of African and Asian rice varieties, while brown rice refers to rice that has had only the hull removed, retaining the bran layer and germ.