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The Daily Insight

What kind of rice is Baldo?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 02, 2026

Varieties description Baldo is an Italian rice variety introduced in 1977. It is indicated in the preparation of traditional risotto but also for rice salads and dishes that require well separated and consistent grains.

Is Baldo rice good?

The Turkish variety is particularly starchy and can absorb lots of moisture, which makes it very creamy and tender when cooked. It also keeps its shape well, so it’s a great choice for risotto, paella, and Turkish-style pulaos.

What is similar to Baldo rice?

Baldo rice is a type of Turkish rice that is a hybrid of Arborio and another variety. This short-grain rice is milled, plump, and very starchy; it becomes very tender and creamy when cooked. If you cannot find baldo, you can substitute with Arborio or Calrose, which is a medium-grain from California.

What is Baldo Pirinç?

Baldo rice is assumed to be the best quality type of rice grown in Turkey. Baldo rice, grown in Balıkesir Region of Turkey, is commonly used in pilafs. Apart from Turkey, baldo rice is grown in Italy. Despite its superior taste compared to other type of rice, baldo is hard to cook and adjust its water to rice ratio.

What is Baldo rice used for?

Tasty Rice Thankfully, Turkish rice is very tasty. It’s rich and buttery and is indeed delicious on its own…with a good bowl of natural yoghurt on the side, too. Whenever our friends come to Fethiye to visit us, they always say, ‘I can’t wait to have some Turkish rice’. It’s a staple side serving in most restaurants.

Is Baldo rice gluten free?

A. Ours is “naturally” gluten-free, in the sense that rice in nature does not contain gluten. We do not grow, use or package cereals containing gluten in our factory, so there is no danger of contamination.

What can I use instead of risotto rice?

Arborio Rice Alternatives

  1. Pearled Barley. Pearled barley is the best arborio rice substitute of all other types of barley since it has the highest starch content.
  2. Basmati Rice. Basmati is a type of long-grain rice from India.
  3. Brown rice.
  4. Carnaroli Rice.
  5. Farro.
  6. Sushi Rice.
  7. Quinoa.
  8. Bulgur Wheat.

Is Baldo rice the same as risotto rice?

Baldo: A relatively new variety, baldo is most comparable to arborio in shape and starchiness. It’s the quickest cooking of the risotto rices. Available in specialty shops and from Kalustyans.

What is Osmancik rice?

Osmancik Rice is a typeof rice grown in Turkey which was developed by Agricultural Research Institute of Edirne in 1997. Osmancik rice – a kind of long grain rice is consumed commonly by Turkish. Osmancık rice is ideal for cooking pilaf and it is much easier to cook compared to baldo rice.

Is risotto a wheat?

A traditional Italian dish, risotto is made with arborio rice, a type of short-grain white rice, according to the Whole Grains Council. While Italian restaurants are usually a no-go for those following a gluten-free diet, risotto is one dish you can typically order without worry.

What is arborio rice called in India?

Basmati is a type of long-grain rice from India. Being gluten-free, basmati is not the perfect choice for risotto. However, it is a healthy substitute for arborio rice since it has a low glycemic index.

Is Orzo a rice?

Orzo is a thin, oval, rice-shaped pasta that is typically used in soups in Italian cuisine, but you can use it in any number of pasta dishes, soups, grain bowls, and other places where a petite pasta can come in handy.