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When it comes to Asian cuisine, rice is a must-have. From steamed rice, fried rice, and rice noodles, to sticky rice, what makes rice so important? Pho95 is here to explain the history of rice in Asian culture.
The History of Rice
You can find the origin of rice in East Asia that traces back more than 10,000 years ago. The domestication and cultivation of rice spread across the entire Asian continent and were then introduced throughout the rest of the world. Rice was given as a gift from the animals after a large flood, giving the Chinese people a source of plentiful food, according to Chinese mythology. Rice thrived in China’s wet rural environment and became the principal food staple of the region. Rice is versatile and filling, providing a satisfying meal. It is also affordable to grow and eat.
Modern Day Cuisine
Rice can be used to make both sweet and savory dishes. Fried rice is the most common way of cooking this delicious cereal crop; although it can also be ground down to make rice flour which can then be made into a variety of products. In Asian cookery, rice flour may be mixed into a paste and then cut into long strands to make tasty noodles.
The grain lends itself well to a myriad of different flavors. It is rich in nutrients and vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. There are many different types of rice with many different qualities. Quality factors relate to grain length, stickiness, aroma, texture, and flavor.
More on Rice
In Asian cultures, rice is associated with women and fertility. Religious ceremonies have been conducted for the productiveness of the rice crop, fertility of domestic animals, and the human species, from how it’s grown to how it’s harvested. Throughout Asia, rice is still considered sacred and has shaped cultures and traditions for centuries.
Rice is so deep-rooted in their food culture that it serves as the focal point of festivals. It has always been a popular and lucrative export for Asian countries.
By Leslie Radford
