We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Brown Rice Flour?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 55,175
Share

Brown rice flour is flour that has been ground from unhulled rice kernels, also known as brown rice. It can be used as a wheat flour substitute in many dishes, especially in combination with other flours. Since it is naturally gluten free, many gluten intolerant individuals use it for cooking projects. Natural food stores and some grocery stores stock brown rice flour, which can also be ground at home by cooks who own grain mills.

To make brown rice flour, a flour mill uses unhulled grains of any rice varietal. The grains are harvested and threshed to remove the inedible outer husk, and then allowed to dry so that they can be handled in the mill. Most mills use a more coarse grind, resulting in a slightly grainy, gritty flour, although some mills do grind it more finely. The milled flour is then ready for sale.

Like other whole grain flours, brown rice flour can go rancid very quickly, because of the natural fats and oils in the grain. It should be stored under refrigeration to avoid this. Most cooks also purchase the flour in small amounts, so that it will be completely used before it goes rancid. It should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator so that it will not collect moisture or odors from the fridge.

Individuals with gluten intolerance who are purchasing brown rice flour should be cautious. Many mills process grains that do contain gluten as well as gluten free products, meaning that there is a possibility of cross-contamination. In some cases, a mill may also cut brown rice with another flour to make it more versatile. Consumers should look for products that are clearly labeled “gluten free.”

The uses of brown rice flour are myriad. It can be used as a straight flour replacement in things like roux and other sauce thickeners, as well as dredges for foods. It can also be combined with other flours for baking projects such as bread, cookies, or pastries. This flour does not behave exactly like wheat, so cooks should be prepared to experiment with proportions and grain mixtures. It also lends a strong, nutty flavor to food that may not always be desired. Cooks who are concerned about this can use regular rice flour, made from grains that have been hulled. It tends to have a more mild flavor.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon336582 — On May 29, 2013

Brown rice is not milled. This is good.

By ltgiules57 — On Apr 11, 2011

can carbs in gluten free products turn to sugar and cause problems?

By anon138678 — On Jan 02, 2011

coconut flour is better it is low in protein and low in carbohydrates. almond and walnut flour can raise uric acid. Another option is flaxseed flour or brown rice flour because it is low in protein and carbs. It is mainly for autistic, alzheimer, schizophrenia, ibs, colitis communities.

By CheesePuff — On Oct 06, 2010

Another great gluten free flour is almond flour. It's high in protein but low in carbohydrates and sugar.

In addition, the taste is great too, and there are lots of recipes available that use it.

By coffeelover — On Oct 06, 2010

@anon35005, You're right there is a lot of things to look for when buying gluten free food. This article was helpful to me too.

By anon35005 — On Jul 01, 2009

This is good info. One often assumes a product is what it is listed. I find I am always finding new things to watch for in gluten free

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-brown-rice-flour.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.