Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important crop in terms of total production in the developing world and the number of consumers dependent on it as a staple food. Rice is cultivated widely under flooded and upland culture and consumed mainly in Asia with < 5% entering international markets. Semidwarf and hybrid rice contribute to increases in grain yield. Protein, carbohydrates (starch), and lipids are present in the rice grain; protein, mainly glutelin, is of good nutritive quality and starch granules have a wide range in apparent amylose content from waxy, to low, to high amylose content. The wide range in amylose content reflects different preferences for cooked rice texture in Asia and elsewhere. Glycemic index correlates negatively with amylose content. The high content of γ-oryzanols and tocols in rice bran and brown rice contributes to the hypocholesterolemic and anticancer properties of rice.