What is rice?
- Rice is a type of grass commonly used as human food.
- Rice is rich in nutrients and contains a number of vitamins and minerals.
- It is an excellent source of carbohydrates - the best source of energy.
Type of Rice
Rice are categorized by its physical descriptions consist of short grain, medium grain and long grain. Rice from Thailand is the long grain, which exceeds 7 mm in length. Thai long grain rice also distinguished into two different textural types, regular and glutinous rice.
Long Grain Rice
Long and slender kernel 3-4 times longer than its width such as Basmatic Rice from India and Jasmine Rice from Thailand
Medium Grain Rice
Shorter and wider kernel 2-3 times longer than its width such as Calrose Rice from USA and Australian Rice.
Short Grain Rice
Short Grain Rice - Short, plump, almost round kernal such as Arborio from Italy and Japanese Rice.
Rice Production
Thailand is one of the main agricultural countries that produce rice for trading. Rice is an important commodity, which grows only in some areas of the world.
Rice Farming in Thailand
There are two categories of rice farming in Thailand, in-season and off-season rice farming.
- In-season rice farming refers to regular rice cultivation during the rainy season. It begins in May until October followed by a harvest period that ends in February. This farming method produces rice only once a year and takes approximately 120 days to grow. During the cultivation period, rice flowering can be expected precisely on the same month and day.
- Off-season rice farming is a rice cultivation method during the irregular period, which requires less support from the light for flowering. It can begin as early as in January and harvest in April, at the latest. It is common in the areas with the exceptional irrigation system like the Central part of Thailand. Cultivation takes approximately 90 days and can expect to produce up to 2-3 crops per year.
Rice Varieties
Jasmine Rice
Thai Hom Mali Rice, also known as Jasmine Rice, is the most famous Thai originated rice for its unique fragrance and its slightly soft texture. The best Jasmine rice is grown in the northeast of Thailand.
Thai White Rice
Thai White Rice is well known around the world. It is mainly grown in the central part of Thailand where there is a good irrigation system, which results in 2 or 3 crops per annum. It is often referred to as polished or fully milled rice.
Brown Rice
Brown Rice is the husked but un-milled rice. It is high in nutrients and fiber. Brown rice is considered a healthy food.
Thai Glutinous Rice
Thai Glutinous Rice is also known as sticky or sweet rice. The natural milky color is a main distinction. Glutinous rice is consumed in most Asian countries. The most popular glutinous rice from Thailand is grown in the north. Glutinous rice is consumed in most Asian countries in the form of rice, rice powder, snacks, and is also used in brewing.