About Rice
Rice has been consumed as a diet staple for thousands of years by more than half of the world's population.
Today, rice is the most vital food crop in the world and a staple food for more than a half of the world's population. Rice is heavily cultivated in 89 countries around the world with a yield of nearly 500 million metric tons. The rice belt is distributed geographically over a wide range; from hot Australian and Egyptian deserts, to the cool Himalayan foothills of Nepal. However, 90% of the world crop is raised and almost entirely eaten in Asia.
But now it has seen a tremendous growth in popularity among North and South Americans in recent years. This is due in part to the growing recognition of the health benefits associated with eating rice. Not to mention the endless versatility rice offers from the most basic recipes to exotic cuisines.
Rice is quick and easy to prepare is an ideal food; delicious, energy giving nutritious and is easy to digest. It is an economic choice and an ideal companion to more expensive dishes. Rice is mild in flavor making it an ideal accompaniment to spicy dishes. It enhances the subtleties of fish, chicken or other mildly flavored dishes as well. It is delicious in both traditional and more modern gourmet recipes.
All of these features have made rice a regular for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the world over. In addition to its convenience and simplicity, rice offers important nutritional value. Rice is a complex carbohydrate, vital to fuelling the body. Complex carbohydrates are stored in muscles and released as energy when needed. Nutritionists recommend that over half of our caloric intake should come in the form of complex carbohydrates such as rice.
Rice protein is considered one of the highest quality proteins compared to that of other grains. It has all eight essential amino acids necessary building blocks for strong muscles. It is also one of the few foods that is considered non-allergenic. Rice contains no gluten, fat, cholesterol or sodium, making it very well suited for people with special dietary needs.
Best of all, rice can be prepared in countless ways, offering a wide range of delicious alternatives. Its no wonder rice is the world's favorite food!