Rice

About

Rice is a staple food for over 3.5 billion people, primarily in Asia, and plays a crucial role in global nutrition. It is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or Oryza glaberrima (African rice). Rice plants are annual warm-season grasses with round culms, flat leaves, and terminal panicles. They can grow up to 1.8 meters tall, depending on the variety and soil conditions. Rice is a versatile crop with over 40,000 varieties, including Indica, Japonica, aromatic, and glutinous types. Rice provides nearly 20% of global human per capita energy and about 13% of per capita protein. It is a major food crop in Asia, Africa, and South America. The grain structure includes a hull, bran coat, embryo, and endosperm. Rice is used in various dishes and cultures worldwide, offering different textures and flavors based on grain type. Its production is vital for food security, especially in regions like Asia where it constitutes a significant portion of dietary calories. Rice cultivation requires specific conditions, including high daytime temperatures and adequate water supply.