Much like a person’s roots hold clues to who they are, the origins of rice tell multiple stories. Learning where rice is from can help explain how it’s grown and harvested, its cultural significance, how it should be cooked and even unlock clues to its aroma and flavor. Universally popular, rice is also incredibly diverse! Instead of approaching it as a one-size-fits-all ingredient, learning about rice origins can reveal a world of culinary possibilities for this humble grain.
More Than a Grain: The Cultural Significance of Rice
One of the world’s oldest cultivated crops, rice is intimately intertwined with the history of humanity itself. Native to Asia, domesticated rice is now grown in Africa, India, parts of Europe, North America and other spots.
A staple food for approximately half of the world’s population, rice’s reputation goes far beyond its abilities to wow on the plate. Instead, the cultural significance of rice can be seen in language, rituals and practices still common in many countries around the globe.
Historically, rice farming brought communities together and helped them to thrive. In China, its significance to health, prosperity and the community have made it a symbol of fertility, good health, and luck. Rice was once so prized in Japan that it was used as a form of currency. In India, rice is considered a sacred food and is used in Hindu ceremonies. A tradition that dates back to Roman times, a wedding rice toss is still symbolic of wealth and new life.
Why Origin Matters
Despite the fact that rice grows in many countries, not all rice is the same. Most of the rice people consume today comes from the Oryza sativa species. The other, Oryza glaberrima, is a less-common species grown in Africa. Within the Oryza sativa species, japonica and indica are the two main subspecies. Respectively, these are short and sticky, such as sushi rice, versus long and aromatic, such as basmati. Interestingly, wild rice, which is the only type of “rice” that is native to North America, is actually the edible seed of a type of grass, and not true rice.
A starchy cereal grain, rice requires a humid environment to grow. Beside its species, rice is often differentiated by the way it grows—lowland vs. upland— and the type of irrigation it receives—flooded vs. rainfed. Different kinds of rice are planted in different areas based on the climate and irrigation available, as well as the grains’ inherent ability to thrive despite pests, disease, and other external factors.
The origins of rice, including how it is grown and processed, can mean the difference between everyday rice and the world’s most expensive grains—Kinmemai Premium, a Japanese rice prized for its nutrition, aroma and unique texture.
Basmati Rice Origin – The Legacy of the Indian Subcontinent
Aromatic and fluffy with elegant long grains, basmati rice is a staple of South Asian cuisine that can be served alone or with curries, cooked into biryani, pilaf, pulao or desserts. Grown primarily in India and Pakistan, basmati is generally aged after it is harvested in order to enhance its flavor and aroma.
Though available in different grades, options such as sustainably-sourced RiceSelect® Premium Basmati Rice are treasured for their nutty flavor, pleasant texture and floral aroma.
Marinate your chicken ahead of time, and look forward to this rich and comforting, flavorful dish—even on a weeknight!
Loaded with herbs and spices, golden morsels of chicken and aromatics, this simple biryani dish is a satisfying way to sample RiceSelect® Premium Basmati Rice’s quality grains.
One-Pan Tandoori Chicken with Spicy Coconut Rice
Quick and flavorful, this one-pot, weeknight star ticks all the right boxes! If possible, marinate the chicken overnight for the richest flavor.
Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Rice Bowl
A riot of colors, flavors and textures make every mouthful sing in this zippy dish. Layer ingredients onto a base of tender RiceSelect® Premium Basmati Rice for a perfectly balanced bite.
Texmati white front
Texmati – America’s Homegrown Innovation
An American creation that dates back to the early 1980s, Texmati is a hybrid between basmati and American long-grain rice. First grown in Texas, Texmati is known for its unique scent of fresh popcorn, its slender grains and toasty flavor. RiceSelect® Texmati Brown Rice is a great option for diners looking to eat more whole-grain foods.
Homey and rich, this vegetarian dish is a comfort-food favorite. Served with warm, fragrant Texmati rice, it’s a complete meal that’s unlikely to result in leftovers.
Lemon Velvet Chicken Rice Soup
Pantry staples make quick work of getting dinner on the table in this simple, yet satisfying, chicken and rice soup.
The type of side dish every cook needs in their back pocket, this one is generously seasoned, perfumed with saffron, lime and cilantro, and makes a perfect match to curries, stews, chili and more.
Rice and Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Tender peppers, savory seasoned turkey, RiceSelect® Texmati Brown Rice, and oodles of melty cheese make this dish an irresistible option for diners looking to eat more whole-grain foods.
Jasmine Rice Origin – Thailand’s Culinary Emblem
Medium-grained jasmine rice is native to Thailand, where it tempts throughout the day in everything from comforting breakfast soups and punchy fried rice dishes to sticky rice desserts. Slender and light, jasmine rice has a floral aroma and subtly sweet taste. Beyond Thailand, it is also grown in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. A neutral base for a range of dishes, jasmine fits in no matter the theme.
Spicy, sour, salty and sweet, this balanced recipe has all the hallmarks of a knockout Thai dish!
Paired with savory Chinese sausage, chicken and earthy mushrooms, RiceSelect® Premium Jasmine Rice transforms into a dim sum staple you can enjoy in the comfort of home.
A dead ringer for Thai takeout, this complete meal can satisfy in just 25 minutes!
A dessert that can sate a sweet tooth—without anyone breaking a sweat—this dish is creamy, velvety and generously perfumed with coconut and lime.
Arborio – Core of Italian Comfort
Italy may be known for pasta but, as fans of risotto and arancini know, it’s not the only Italian carb that counts! Grown in Italy and the U.S., plump, short-grain arborio rice is high in amylopectin starch, making it ideal for cooking creamy risottos. Due to its natural starchiness, arborio can also be used to make silky rice puddings, sticky rice, and, in a pinch, even sushi!
Even nonna will approve of this traditional risotto! Made with RiceSelect® Arborio Rice, white wine and lashings of parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect primi piatti to any Italian meal.
RiceSelect® Arborio Rice takes a jaunty trip to Spain in this striking dish. Brimming with shrimp, chicken, sausage and saffron-laced grains, this paella delights with each and every bite.
Sushi Rice - Japan’s Sticky Rice
The origin of rice in Japan can be traced back more than 2000 years, following rice’s shift from relatively new crop to a staple of the Japanese diet. Very high in amylopectin starch, sushi rice is a short-grain Japanese variety that becomes sticky and clumpy when cooked. Besides its soft, chewy texture, sushi rice is also delicately sweet, making it a delicious addition to poke bowls, onigiri and mochi, in addition to sushi.
We all know it can be sticky, but RiceSelect® Sushi Rice can also be delectably crisp! Just a few minutes in an air fryer transform this versatile ingredient into a golden, crunchy base for creamy, seasoned salmon.
Don’t let the ingredient list scare you away from this culinary project. With a little organization and a little practice, you’ll soon be rolling sushi like a pro!
Black Rice (Forbidden Rice) – The Ancient Grain of Royalty
Once strictly reserved for the ruling class, black rice (also known as forbidden rice) is native to China and Indonesia. Like blueberries and acai, black rice is high in nutrients and anthocyanins, a group of deep purple pigments which give the rice its bold color. Black rice is available in short, medium and long-grain varieties, and has a nutty flavor and bouncy texture.
Give Meatless Monday a serious upgrade with this zesty, savory dish. Use seasoned black rice for added oomph in every bite.
Eat with your eyes first, with this vivid bowl of comfort! Layered with juicy ripe fruit and toasted coconut, sweetened RiceSelect® Black Rice just might become the ingredient your family suddenly can’t live without.
Savor the World Through a Bowl of Rice
Getting to know rice in different cultures is a great way to learn more about this infinitely intriguing grain! Rice from different countries is unique, and arming yourself with knowledge is the best way to know which to choose at every meal. Bring home a selection of RiceSelect® products, and travel the world—one grain at a time!