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