- Rice is an important crop for the global economy. It is the second most produced grain after maize.
- Rice is harvested from the long grass-like stalk of the Oryza sativa plant.
- Rice is grown in every continent except Antarctica.
- White rice is just brown rice that has been polished to remove its outer bran layer.
- Rice is widely used in beauty products such as face masks, exfoliators, and hair treatments.
- Rice is widely consumed as a staple food by over half of the world’s total population, particularly in Asia.
- There are over 120,000 varieties of rice, each with a unique fragrance, taste, and nutritional value.
- Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, an essential macronutrient which plays a vital role in providing energy to our bodies.
- India is the largest producer and exporter of basmati rice in the world.
- Rice is cultivated in hot and humid climates where there is enough supply of water.
- Uncooked white rice remains safe for human consumption for up to 10 – 30 years. However, uncooked brown rice has a shelf life of 3-6 months after which the brown coating becomes oxidized.
- In some cultures, rice is considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
- In Japan, rice is considered a sacred crop and is widely used in weddings.
- In Thailand, rice is used in many Buddhist rituals and is offered as a gift to monks and other spiritual figures.
“A woman or man who is not afraid of making their hands dirty, will make clean money!”
A successful Rice Farmer at Reyna Farms, Arusha, Tanzania.