Whole Planet Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization established by Whole Foods Market, provides grants to microfinance institutions in Latin America, Africa and Asia who in turn develop and offer microenterprise loan programs, training and other financial services to the self-employed poor. Currently, Whole Planet Foundation has committed $26.1 million to support 54 projects in 48 countries around the globe.  The foundation is an expansion of Whole Foods Market's mission to actively participate in our communities, and the creation of this foundation directly connects Whole Foods Market customers and Team Members to the villages in developing countries that supply our stores with products. To learn more, please visit wholeplanetfoundation.org.

RiceSelect™ Introduces Six Exciting New Rice and Couscous Options

ALVIN, TX (December 31, 2009) – As more and more people are preparing their own meals instead of dining at restaurants, home cooks are looking for alternatives to the same old side dishes.  RiceSelect™, the producers of the well-known Texmati^® rice, is here to save the day with six new products – Texmati^® Vegetable Medley, Texmati^® Pilaf Medley, Texmati® Mushroom Medley, Original Pearl Couscous, Tri-color Pearl Couscous, and Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous.

“We at RiceSelect have been listening to our customers who have been expressing a need for more diversity in their meal planning options,” said Deborah Locke, product manager for RiceSelect.  “We are very happy to fulfill that need with these new all natural, flavorful and nutritious products.”

RiceSelect’s unique vegetable medleys have been formulated to create a healthy, flavorful side dish.  Texmati^® Vegetable Medley is a delicious combination of Texmati^® Light Brown, red rice, corn, carrots, onion, tomato and other savory vegetables.  Texmati^® Pilaf Medley combines nutritious whole wheat orzo with Texmati^® Light Brown and just the right amount of green beans and a touch of toasted sweet onion.  And finally, Texmati® Mushroom Medley is a unique blend of Texmati^® Light Brown and wild rice enhanced by the earthy flavor of shiitake mushrooms and sweet goodness of carrots.

Each of RiceSelect’s versatile vegetable medleys offers an array of uses. They are delicious as stand-alone side dishes when cooked as directed or by substituting chicken or vegetable stock for extra flavor.  They also make a healthy salad alternative when mixed with a favorite dressing.  The vegetable medleys transform leftover chicken or shrimp into a tasty and quick entrée alternative as well.

RiceSelect™ is also putting its unique spin on pearl couscous, a small round pasta that resembles barley or small peas and has a distinctive, nutty flavor.  The new Pearl couscous is a dream side dish for people who cook at home because it is extremely easy to prepare; simply add it to boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.  Spoon on your favorite sauce or use it as a base for a unique salad.  It can also be prepared “risotto style,” only easier.  Unlike risotto, no need to stand over the couscous adding stock and stirring every few minutes.  Simply sauté aromatics in olive oil, add the couscous, stir to coat, and add broth or stock.  After the couscous has cooked long enough to absorb the liquid, add vegetables, herbs and seasonings of your choice.

About RiceSelect™

RiceSelect™ is the maker of Texmati^® – the first basmati rice to be successfully grown in America. Grown and packaged in the United States with inspiration from around the world, Cook’s Illustrated, the official publication of “America’s Test Kitchen,” recently named RiceSelect’s Risotto Rice the top Arborio rice, giving it a coveted “Highly Recommended” rating. RiceSelect’s other products include Jasmati^®, Kasmati^® and Sushi as well as Royal Blends^®, Couscous, and Orzo. RiceSelect’s products can be purchased in more than 23,000 grocery stores in North America. RiceSelect is a leading developer, producer, miller and marketer of specialty consumer products. For more information and visuals, please visit us at www.riceselect.com

RiceSelect™ Reminds Consumers of the Other Italian Staple

ALVIN, TX (July, 2009) – The recent economic downturn has been responsible for, among many other things, an increase in meals being prepared at home rather than dining out.  But many home cooks may have a limited repertoire of recipes from which to choose, creating a tendency to “cycle through” the same pasta entrées and side dishes week after week.  In celebration of September’s National Rice Month, RiceSelect™, the makers of well-known Texmati® rice is reminding consumers of the other traditional Italian dish, risotto, made with arborio rice.

“Risotto is a wonderful alternative to pasta,” said Deborah Locke, product manager for RiceSelect. “And its great versatility ensures that you and your family will never be bored with meals. In fact, risotto may become your new favorite comfort food.”

Arborio rice, first grown in the Italian town of the same name, is known for its creamy texture around a slightly chewy al denté grain. It’s the most common variety used in the preparation of risotto recipes.  But is the best arborio rice grown in Italy?  Not necessarily, according to Cook’s Illustrated magazine (June, 2008), which gave the RiceSelect brand a “Highly Recommended” rating. RiceSelect captures the spirit of Northern Italy and the “creamy, smooth” grains of this Texas-grown rice won over the magazine’s tasters.

Like pasta, risotto can serve as an entrée, side dish or even an appetizer. Unlike pasta, it can be prepared either on the stovetop or in the microwave.  Risotto recipes that will please the entire family, whether vegetarians or meat-lovers, can be found at a number of websites, including AllRecipes.com.  RiceSelect.com also offers more than 100 delicious rice recipes, including this delicious risotto dish inspired by the flavors of Italy:

Tangy Tomato and Lemon Risotto

4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 finely chopped shallots1 cup uncooked RiceSelect™ Arborio Rice1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half1/2 cup lemon juice1 tablespoon lemon zest

Heat broth in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; cook until soft. Add rice and stir 2 to 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high; stir in 1 cup broth. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until broth is absorbed. Continue stirring and adding remaining broth, 1 cup at a time, allowing each cup to be absorbed before adding another. Cook until rice is tender and mixture has a creamy consistency, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, lemon juice and lemon peel. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

About RiceSelect

RiceSelect™ is the maker of Texmati® – the first basmati rice to be successfully grown in America. Grown and packaged in the United States with inspiration from around the world, RiceSelect products have been internationally recognized for their quality.  RiceSelect’s other products include Jasmati®, Kasmati®, Arborio and Sushi as well as Chef’s Originals®, Royal Blend®, Couscous and Orzo. RiceSelect’s products can be purchased in more than 23,000 grocery stores in North America and online at www.RiceSelect.com. RiceSelect is a leading developer, producer, miller and marketer of specialty consumer products. For more information and visuals, please visit us at http://www.riceselect.com