RD - Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Practice Test

Which type of rice retains most of the bran layers?

1. Brown

2. White

3. Wild

4. Long-grain

The correct answer is: Brown

Brown rice retains most of the bran layers because it is minimally processed. During the milling process, only the outer hull is removed, while the bran and germ layers remain intact. This retention of bran gives brown rice its characteristic chewy texture and nuttier flavor. Additionally, the presence of bran contributes to brown rice's higher nutritional value, as it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to more processed forms of rice. White rice, on the other hand, has had both the husk and bran removed, which diminishes its nutrient content. Wild rice is actually not a true rice but rather an aquatic grass and has a different nutrient profile. Long-grain rice refers to the shape and size rather than the processing level; both white and brown varieties can be found in long-grain forms, but only the brown long-grain type retains the bran. Therefore, brown rice is the best answer as it specifically denotes rice with most of the bran layers intact.