HISTORY OF RICE
The history of rice cultivation is an interdisciplinary subject that studies archaeological and documentary evidence to explain how rice was first domesticated and cultivated by humans, the spread of cultivation to different regions of the planet, and the technological changes that have impacted cultivation over time.
The current scientific consensus, based on archaeological and linguistic evidence, is that Oryza sativa rice was first domesticated in the Yangtze River basin in China 9,000 years ago. Cultivation, migration and trade spread rice around the world—first to much of east Asia, and then further abroad, and eventually to the Americas as part of the Columbian exchange. The now less common Oryza glaberrima rice was independently domesticated in Africa around 3,000 years ago.
Since its spread, rice has become a global staple crop important to food security and food cultures around the world. Local varieties of Oryza sativa have resulted in over 40,000 cultivars of various types. More recent changes in agricultural practices and breeding methods as part of the Green Revolution and other transfers of agricultural technologies has led to increased production in recent decades.
Rice is fundamentally important to various cultures. It is often directly associated with prosperity and much folklore and legend surrounds the grain. In many cultures and societies, rice is integrated directly into religious belief. In Japan rice enjoys the patronage of its own god, Inari, and in Indonesia its own goddess, the Dewie Srie.
Rice is also linked to fertility and for this reason the custom of throwing rice at newly wedded couples exists. In India, rice is always the first food offered by a new bride to her husband, to ensure fertility in the marriage, and children are given rice as their first solid food. And, according to Louisiana folklore, the test of a true Cajun is whether they can calculate the precise quantity of gravy needed to accompany a crop of rice growing in a field. How easy to see that from its early beginnings to the present day, rice continues to play an integral role in sustaining both the world's appetites and cultural traditions.
RICE HEALTH BENEFITS
Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, the body's main fuel source. Carbohydrates can keep you energized and satisfied, and are important for fueling exercise. Brown rice, especially, is an excellent source of many nutrients, including fiber, manganese, selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
But I’ve heard that rice is bad for you…
Rice has been vilified for decades as a food that “causes weight gain” and “negatively impacts health”. There is a lot of misinformation about rice. Here are some common concerns heard at the KRNC:
Should I be concerned about the arsenic in rice? Rice tends to absorb arsenic more readily than other crops due to its growing environment. However, rice can be safely consumed as part of a well-balanced diet. Published studies, including research by the FDA, show that cooking rice can reduce up to 60 percent of the inorganic arsenic content, depending on the type of rice.
Is white rice a “bad carb”? Many people consider white rice an “empty” or “bad” carb since it loses nutrients when the bran and germ are removed. However, white rice is typically enriched with added nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. So while brown rice does have more nutrients than white rice, white rice is still considered nutritious.
Will rice make me gain weight? While many studies have shown a connection between refined grains and weight gain, research is inconsistent when it comes to white rice. It appears to be neither detrimental nor favorable for weight loss. White rice—in and of itself—does not have a unique ability to promote weight gain. That being said, an excess of calories from any food—rice included—will lead to weight gain. Diets high in whole grains (think brown rice) have shown to aid weight loss and help maintain a healthy body weight.
Common Types of Rice
Jasmine rice: Jasmine rice is originally from Thailand. It has a delicate floral aroma and soft, sticky texture. Traditionally, Jasmine rice is steam cooked. Coconut rice is a great recipe to try with Jasmine rice.
Basmati rice: Basmati rice is hill rice originated from the Himalayan hills and has a flakier, drier texture than Jasmine rice. Basmati rice is typically boiled. Basmati rice is great for pilaf, biriyani, and fried rice recipes.
Arborio rice: Arborio rice has a soft texture and is a popular option for making risotto because its starch creates a creamy finish.
Wild rice: Wild rice is not related to the rice family, Oryza sativa; it is a seed from an aquatic grass species, genus Zizania. Despite its name, most wild rice is cultivated in farms, not grown in the wild. Wild rice salad or chicken wild rice soup are a favorite ways to enjoy wild rice. For northern Native Americans, wild rice is more than a staple food. It is a gift from The Great Spirit and a sacred component of their culture, honored in their history, tradition, ceremony, and way of life. Wild rice is vital to the ecology of thousands of northern lakes, streams, and rivers.
Top Six Most Popular Rice Recipes
Did you know September is #NationalRiceMonth? As if we needed an occasion to commemorate this versatile grain, what better way to celebrate than by trying the top 10 searched recipes cooked with rice.
While most of them are tried and true classics, there might be a few surprises and flavorful dishes to try your hand at and why not add your own foodie touch? Grab a box of your preferred Success® Rice variety, turn on the stove and get ready to savor some delicious rice favorites!
1. Paella
Originating in Europe, this traditional Spanish dish is globally recognized as one of the top recipes cooked with rice. This rice entrée has been reinvented with all kinds of ingredients for delicious flavors in every preparation.
What doesn’t change from one variety to the other is how rice is cooked in stock. Although it is optional, for authentic taste and color, it is recommended to infuse broth with saffron threads.Try this Seafood Paella recipe with Success® White Rice for an everyday dish that won’t disappoint!
2. Fried Rice
Speaking of classics, fried rice is without a doubt an ultimate family favorite. There are so many variations of this Asian delicacy that there is no true fried rice recipe. It can be customized with a wide array of mix-ins and completely switched up when using different proteins like seafood, chicken, beef, turkey, tofu… you name it!
Although it is recommended to use leftover rice, or completely cooled down long grain varieties like Jasmine Rice, that won’t clump together when stir frying, any rice is good when the craving hits! Skip takeout and try our classic Chicken Fried Rice recipe for a flavorful speedy meal any time of the week. Our easy shrimp fried rice is a great option.
3. Rice Pudding
In the sweets department, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who could resist a spoonful of rich and creamy rice pudding. Made with a few pantry staples, this is another recipe that has found its way across different ethnic cuisines. If you are visiting Latin America, you may want to look for Arroz con leche, while if you’re travelling to Portugal locals will call it Arroz Doce.
As with fried rice, this dessert can be customized with the addition of toppings or be prepared with different flavor bases like chocolate, vanilla or coconut. This Vainilla Raisin Rice Pudding is an online sensation as an all time favorite!
Pro tip: Follow our quick guide and learn the basics of rice pudding for preparing the perfect dessert every time.
4. Spanish Rice
When searching for Mexican-inspired recipes, many search for that incredible Spanish Rice side dish, however is Mexican Rice, or arroz rojo, the same? While many people use them interchangeably, there are subtle nuances in the spices used for each, but what these two dishes have in common is that people can’t get enough of either of them!
This flavorful preparation is great for anything from a side dish, to a burrito or taco filling. In Latin America, it is usually prepared in large batches and then stored in the fridge to eat throughout the week. Clever, right?
5. Chicken and Rice
There’s not much explanation needed for why this combo is within the top 10. More than a single recipe, this dynamic duo of ingredients is used in all kinds of preparations and with different cooking techniques. This family favorite pair will work wonders in anything from a casserole bake, a comforting soup, a simple fried rice or a refreshing salad. For an elevated dish with kitchen staples, try this restaurant-style Bistro Herbed Chicken and Rice.
6. Risotto
One dish that every home cook should learn to prepare is a decadent rice risotto. Originating in Italy, there are varied ingredient combinations to boost the flavors of this internationally recognized dish – vegetables, meat or seafood. However, there are certain staples that are necessary for achieving that signature Italian restaurant taste: broth, butter and Parmesan cheese.
Bottom Line
Rice is a staple food in many countries around the world for good reason. It is an important and nutritious cereal crop that feeds more than half of the world’s population. Rice should be an accepted and celebrated component of a balanced diet.
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW: How much rice is consumed?
Roughly 520 million metric tons. Global rice consumption continues to increase - surpassing roughly 520 million metric tons. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, over 50% of the world's population relies on rice in their daily diet - providing roughly 20% of the world's calories. Rice is cooked by boiling or steaming.
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO SAVE: In Cambodia Rice is so important they have a saying: "dont waste even one grain of rice"
ZENTRAVELER SAYS: For a healthy lifestyle eat more rice?
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