Rice

Rice doesn't necessarily have to be the rice on our plates at dinner. Rice and its various inedible parts that have been discarded through the milling process have other uses.

Rice husks
More than 90% of rice husks in Thailand are reused in the source of fuel for commercial rice generators. They are used to increase fuel effectiveness. The rice husks are burned and compressed to make briquettes. When carbonised they can make good charcoal.

Rice paper
Rice paper is used in many Asian countries all over the world. It is made from the pith of a rice plant. This product is used regularly in cigarette wrappings in Asia. Rice paper can also be edible such as those in lollies.

Straw
In Thailand, the rice straw from harvested rice is often reused. Around half of it is used for animal feed, with the remaining portion used for growing mushrooms and other things.

Rice Bran
Rice bran is one of the more nutritious parts of a grain of rice. Approximately 40% of rice bran is used to make cooking oil. The other 60% is used to be utilized for animal feed production.

Rice Bran Oil
This is the oil that is produced from the rice bran. Rice bran oil is one of the healthiest in the world because is decreases blood levels. This high quality oil is used in Thailand and other Asian dishes. Though rice bran oil is not as common in the western countries.

Broken Rice
Broken Rice can be easily made into other products. In Thailand,(where broken rice is commonly used) 70% of broken rice is made into instant noodles and other snacks. In the milling process using a highly efficient machine, about 25% of the yield will be broken, therefore making broken rice.

Rice Flour
Rice flour is another product of broken rice. It made from 30% of broken rice. This new product, Rice Flour is used to make chips, pasta etc. Rice flour is a product which is not commonly used in western dishes.

Beverages
Rice can also be used in drinks. These drinks are mainly alcoholic. They can be known as sake or saki.