A new and healthier type of white rice has been developed called Parish Rice carrying 53% more protein and a glycemic index of 41 out of 100, the lowest of any white rice on the market. Parish Rice owner Michael Frugé of Eunice hopes to put the rice back on the plates of people who avoid it for health reasons and wants to educate them on just how much rice has changed.
“Back in the 90s everybody was growing the same thing and rice was rice. It’s not true today; we have so many different things so many different options,” Frugé said.
When Frugé began growing the rice with a friend the glycemic level was unknown. It wasn’t until a dietician told them that, since the carb to protean level was different, they’d have a lower glycemic index score.
“Neither one of us really knew at the time what the glycemic index was a the time but we started researching and looking into what it was and both realized this was a significant deal,” Frugé said.
The low glycemic level allows diabetic persons to enjoy the rice without needing to worry as much about the sugar level. Frugé said his ultimate goal is to increase the consumption of rice and this provides a healthier way to do that.
“A lot of people avoid rice just for the reasons we spoke about; the carbs, the effects on the blood sugar, the gaining of weight. This gives us an opportunity to bring people back,” Frugé said.
The rice can be bought in select stores in Louisiana or at parishrice.com