What Is Rice?

Rice is a keystone of the grass family that produces a vast number of grains consumed by humans. It has been under intensive cultivation originating in Asia for over 4,000 years and has since spread across the world, where almost a third of the population depends on rice for vital nutrition. This grass is in the genus Oryza, which is separate from that of wheat, spelt, and similar grass crops, although it resembles them in structure.

Like most grasses cultivated for human consumption, rice is an annual crop that needs to be resown for harvest each year. It is grown in partially submerged fields, also called paddies, and when mature, the plant reaches a height of approximately 3 feet (1 meter). Rice has a classically grass-like appearance, with a small cluster of kernels at the top of a long stalk. It's harvested when it turns golden, and the resulting crop is threshed to remove the hulls. Many developing nations use the chaff as fuel for electricity generation.

There are many cultivars of rice grown around the world, although they can primarily be broken up into long grain varieties such as jasmine and basmati and short grain styles such as those used to make sushi. If the bran, or outer part of the grain, is left on, the resulting product is considered to be brown rice. If removed, the grain is white rice. Many cultures prefer brown because it has a higher nutritional value than white, including important levels of vitamin B.

Rice is a very versatile grain, which can be ground into flour for the gluten intolerant, cooked slowly in paella, or steamed to accompany a wide array of Asian dishes. Popular dishes with it include sticky rice with mango, which uses a special type of short grain rice that comes in white, brown, and black varieties. The black variety is known in Thailand as “forbidden rice.”

Shorter grain rices tend to stick together better and are used for sushi and other dishes in which it needs to be shaped. Longer grain, such as basmati, is looser and frequently appears as a side dish. Rice is also used in the production of grain alcohols such as sake, popular in Japan.

Some white rice is sold enriched with vitamins and minerals in an attempt to provide more complete nutrition to the purchaser, especially in impoverished regions where it is the primary staple food. Some companies have genetically modified rice in an effort to make it retain more nutrients, but these efforts have not been entirely successful.

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-rice.htm

History of Rice

Rice is a food that has been a favorite of families and cultures for a long time. Rice is one of the most consumed foods that have ever existed, and trends project this to continue into the future.

The history of rice as a food staple dates back to 2500 B.C. Of course, it was probably consumed long before that date! The documentation begins in China and moves to other areas. It seems that, as people traveled around, they shared the benefits of rice as they went. It was also likely that traders had a great deal to do with its spread.

Eating rice originally caught on because it is a crop that can be grown in many regions. It provides a significant amount of energy, and perhaps most importantly, it can be stored for long periods, providing a cushion in lean times and a store of value in good times. Historians have documented the different places that adapted rice into their culture as a part of their studies.


From China to Sri Lanka
From China to India
To Greece
To the Mediterranean Basin
To Europe
To North Africa
To North America
To Brazil and Spain
To Central America and South America
Rice has traveled to many different places and is now a part of almost every culture. A major reason for its success is that it is fairly easy to grow.

Since rice has entered the culture of nearly every continent, many traditions that have developed. These traditions and pieces of folklore make rice all the more appetizing.

In Bali it is told that the earth gave birth to rice and that a god named Indra spread the tradition.
The Chinese consider rice to be a gift sent to humans from animals.
It is now a tradition to throw rice at wedding ceremonies as a symbol of abundance.
At one time Japanese noblemen measured their income in bushels of rice.
The history of rice is a long one. Wars have been fought over rice paddies. The grain has sustained armies and fueled civilizations. By being one of the earliest ways to store wealth and plenty to even out the lean times it is one of the most important food crops in the history of civilization.

Source: http://www.indepthinfo.com/rice/history.htm