Bonnie: Ninety-second brown rice became a pantry staple soon after Uncle Ben’s first introduced its Whole Grain Brown Ready Rice. Seriously, it was love at first taste — and that was about three years ago.

And now — fickle as I am — I have a new love. It’s the certified organic Seeds of Change Uyuni 90-second grain mixture, consisting of quinoa and whole grain brown rice with garlic.

Quinoa Sidebar: Pronounced keen-wah, these are tiny ivory-colored, flat-oval seeds about the size of millet or birdseed (meaning small), with a delicate flavor. It’s not a true grain, but the fruit of a leafy plant belonging to the same family as spinach and Swiss chard — in fact the leaves of the plant can be cooked and eaten like those greens. Quinoa was the high-energy staple of the Incas until the Spanish arrived and tried to destroy it. A nutritious so-called grain, it is gaining in popularity, as it’s one rich in protein.

Having the ability to serve a delicious whole-grain mixture in just 90 seconds is a dietitian and foodie’s dream. I learned from other food professionals that they feel the same way.

Seriously, when starving and finally leaving the computer to head to the kitchen to cook, this 90-second nutritious side dish is perfection. Earlier this month, I had had both these and the Seeds of Change boxed grains to test. I headed to the kitchen to make my dinner, and opened and began to make the Persia (seven whole grain pilaf blend) boxed mixes when I realized (Duh!) it would take 45 minutes until ready to eat. I let it cook to enjoy another day, and quickly made the microwavable rice!
Although the Seeds of Change Uyuni variety is my favorite, the line also includes:

  • Arroz Hispaniola Caribbean Red Beans & Brown Rice
  • Rishikesh Whole Grain Brown Basmati Rice
  • Tigris A Mixture of Seven Whole Grains
  • Tapovan White Basmati Rice
  • Dharamsala Aromatic Indian Rice Blend

All but the Tapovan (white basmati) contain 48 grams of whole grains per serving, or the entire three servings that’s recommended daily. And all but the two varieties of basmati rice contain 4 to 5 grams fiber.

Bryan: Oh my god, this is one of my favorite new products!

I’ve been very pleased that we’ve been able to introduce our readers to a variety of “quick” starches here on Bite of the Best. Let’s face it, the starch component of a well-balanced meal can be a real hassle. It’s time consuming and requires foresight, something I rarely have when rushing to prepare dinner after work. Worse yet, experiments in trying to get your water ratios just right can turn your rice, couscous or any other side into a pudding or tooth-cracking missile.

Why bother? Well, because a healthy whole grain is an important part of any diet. So bother or don’t … now with Seeds of Change microwaveable rice selections. Fans of organic rice and grains will find incredible convenience in Seeds of Change Certified Organic Microwavable Rice & Grains. Its six new organic varieties range from the very traditional (White Basmati) to the intriguingly exotic (Arroz Hispaniola Caribbean Red Beans & Brown Rice). The best part is really that no matter which flavor you pick, just pop it in your microwave and it’s ready in 90 seconds!!

The best flavor to me (by far) is the Uyuni Quinoa & Whole Grain Brown Rice. For those who may not know quinoa, it’s a crop so special that it was held sacred by the Incas, who referred to it as “chisaya mama” or “mother of all grains.” The grain has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, having a very high protein content and a balanced set of essential amino acids. it is an unusually complete source of protein and dietary fiber. Quinoa is additionally gluten-free and easy to digest. The grain is actually being considered as a possible crop for NASA long-duration manned spaceflights!!

You can try your own version of this future grain in a space pouch as well. Tear one open and microwave 90 seconds. The Incas would likely be jealous.

Eric: All of us who would like to have a full serving of starch, but don’t have the time to boil, stir, season and wait, please raise your hand. Time, as I was forewarned, has become a precious commodity to me since I’ve entered the world of the 9-to-5 job (and even more so since I adopted a puppy), and its lack has taken a heavy toll on my nutrition.

Now, I’ve held my fair share of jobs, but for the most part, they were hospitality-industry related, so I never had to worry about taking the time to have a well-balanced meal because there was always a variety of food around to nibble. Recently, working behind a computer for eight hours a day, I have an hour to eat lunch, walk the dog and clean up from the morning. Like most people, this type of schedule leaves me with little time to prepare a “healthy” lunch – and even less time to eat it.

Seeds of Change 90-second microwaveable rice has helped to reintroduce some nutrition back into my afternoon diet. I can literally have a plate full of delicious rice (quinoa, basmati, brown, jasmine) within three minutes of walking in the house. Add to that a piece of fruit or some crudités, and good nutrition has never been easier.