American Rice


Historic Rice Facility, Arkansas USA

The Americas

are comprised of four distinct regions: North America, Central America. South America, and Caribbean. In matters of rice, North America and South America dominate, because The United States, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru are significant growers and exporters.

The United States is the 4th largest exporter at $1.9 billion, behind India, Thailand, and Pakistan. Brazil, at $506 million, is the 9th largest, behind Italy and ahead of Cambodia. Also significant are Uruguay (11th at $468.9 million) and Paraguay (14th at $295 million). All added together are way behind India at $8 billion (32.6% of all exports).

United States rice production is very diverse, with major crops of both indica and japonica varieties, and a broad selection of distinct cultivars of each. The United states also has a very wide array of processing and preparation methods.

Canada, has no commercial rice production, but is testing japonica varieties. Parts of Canada are at similar latitude to Japan, Korea, and Northern China, where rice is grown.   Photo by Richard Apple distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike v3.0 Unported.

More on Rice.


North America Rice


The United States has been a major exporter of rice since it was a British colony - and was possibly the first country to grow rice specifically for export. Carolina Gold rice is thought to have arrived around 1685, and was a major export crop well before 1776.

There are two rice growing regions in the United States, The Mississippi / Gulf coast, and the northern California Central Valley. The types of rice grown in these two regions are very different. In the South, it is long grain indica types, and in California is is medium grain japonica types. Both regions are major exporters, California primarily to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey. The southern states export huge amounts to Mexico, and about half that much to Haiti. Other significant markets are Canada, South and Central Americas, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

American Basmati

This title generally refers to either Texmati or Popcorn Rice, both Basmati-Patna hybrids. It can also refer to real Basmati rice grown in the US by boutique growers, but this is not common.

American Long Grain


American Long Grain White Rice Grains This rice is what rice is to most Americans. It is a long grain Patna type rice originating from India, This rice is grown mainly in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and South America. The photo specimens were typically 0.295 inch long and 0.070 inch wide (7.5 x 1.8 mm). A cup of rice will take about 1-3/4 cups of water and cook up to 3 cups in about 25 minutes.

California Rice

Growing rice in California was started by Japanese farmers. Since all their lands were illegally seized, they re-established the industry after World War II. The focus was always on japonica type rice, the type grown in Japan. The climate of the north Central Valley wasn't good for Indica anyway.

California is also a major purveyor to the ever profitable yuppie and "health conscious" demographics, so specialty "boutique" rices are grown for those market sectors. We list a few of those here.

Botan

- California
This is a brand of Calrose rice bordering on "sweet rice". It is not that well thought of, particularly for making sushi. Try to get Kokuho Rose, or if you can't find it, some other brand of Calrose for sushi. On the other hand, Cooks Illustrated "America's Test Kitchen" rated Kokuho Rose low, and Botan best for sushi - but, really? Boston? Sushi? Maybe they should stick to Baked Beans.

Calrose


Calrose Rice Grains Grown in California, Australia, and parts of South America, this is a medium grain rice suitable for sushi and other Japanese, Korean and northern Chinese recipes, or practically anywhere a medium grained rice is required.   Caution:   "Calrose" once meant a specific variety which hasn't been grown since the 1970s - it is now a generic name for several varieties of California type rice. One common brand, Botan, has been widely criticized, particularly for use in sushi. One knowledgeable writer recommends Safeway brand Calrose as much better (date of post unknown), but even more recommends my favorite, Kokuho Rose. For details see our California / Japanese Rice page.

Kokuho Rose


Kokuho Rose Rice Grains A Japanese style medium grain rice developed by Koda Farms of South Dos Palos, California. I definitely prefer this rice to Calrose varieties. The photo specimens were typically 0.230 inch long and 0.105 inch wide (5.8 x 2.6 mm). For details see our California / Japanese Rice page.

Note that in Los Angeles, Korean markets carry all the Japanese ingredients you might need, because Japanese markets are pretty much extinct here - the Japanese have been assimilated. Little Tokyo is now mostly Korean owned, as are most of the sushi bars.

Mochi Rice

  -   This is a non-specific term for Japanese sweet rice that is used to make Mochi dough, much used for sweets and deserts. It is of the Short Grain Sweet variety.

Sushi Rice

  -   This is not a type of rice, but a medium grain rice seasoned with rice vinegar. Quite a few sources say it is short grain / sweet rice. This is wrong - sweet rice makes very inferior sushi. In California, sushi rice will be Calrose, or preferably Kokuhu Rose. Nishiki brand is also favored for sushi. Note that one brand of Calrose, Botan, has been flagged as inferior for sushi. For details see our California / Japanese Rice page.

Short Grain Sweet


Short Grain Sweet White Rice Grains [Glutenous Rice]  

This intensely white short grain rice is the standard type for sweet rice. Sweet rice is no sweeter than any other kind, but gets the name from being used mainly to make sweets and deserts. The photo specimens, grown in California, by Koda Farms, were 0.200 inches long by 0.107 inch wide (5.1 x 2.7 mm). A cup of this rice needs about 2-1/2 cups of water and cooks in about 25 minutes. Note that for Loatian and Issan Thai cooking, the sweet rice to use is Thai Long Grain Sweet Rice, which is quited different.

California Botique Rice

These are rices grown organically by the Lundberg family and a few others, tuned for the yuppie and "health conscious" markets. These can be found in Whole Foods Market and similar up-market outlets, and in some large multi-ethnic markets here in Los Angeles. Lundberg has a lot more overpriced rices, but the two listed here seem to be their flagship products.

Black Japonica

®
Grains of Rice Lundberg - This is actually a dark brown and a very dark brown, almost black rice variety planted together and harvested together. The photo specimens were typically 0.240 inch long and 0.100 inch wide (7.3 x 3.0 mm). A cup of this rice needs 2 cups of water and 50 minutes cooking time. Lundberg sells this for 2021 US $4.99 / pound.

Red Rice - Formerly "Wehani"

®
Wehani Rice Grains

Lundberg - A long grain aromatic rice developed primarily from basmati (though it doesn't look much like brown basmati) by the Lundberg Family in California. It has a deep reddish brown color, and when cooked has an aroma suggestive of hot buttered peanuts. The grains tend to split open lengthwise when cooked, much like wild rice does. The photo specimens were typically 0.295 inch long and 0.112 inch wide (7.5 x 2.9 mm). To cook, use 2-1/2 cups of water, bring to a boil uncovered, then cover tightly and set the burner to just a simmer for an hour. It'll still be a bit chewy, but nothing you can't manage. Lundberg sells this for 2021 US $4.99 / pound. Other vendors are still selling the Lundberg product under the name "Wehani".

Colusari

®
Colusari Rice Grains Kalustyan's - This is a very deep Burgundy red rice grown in the Sacramento Valley of California. This rice is very highly regarded by high priced gourmet chefs - it posesses the two qualities that define "gourmet" - hard to find and absurdly expensive. When I acquired it in 2014 it was sold exclusively by Indian Harvest, for 2014 US $25.96 / pound. Today it is sold by Klustyan's for 2021 US $9.99 / pound - except they don't have any (9 2021).

I bought an 8oz bag from Indian Harvest 2014. A cup of this rice needs about 2-1/3 cups of water to make 3 cups in about 45 minutes. An 8 ounce package is about 1-1/3 cups, which the package says will make 6 serving - rather scant servings in my opinion - but it's a "gourmet" item. Fancy chefs can serve one tablespoon of it on an otherwise vacant white plate, artfully garnished with a single sprig of parsley, and charge plenty.




Carolina Gold / Charleston Gold


Grains of Charleston White Rice

"Charleston Gold" is a restoration of the famous Carolina Gold Rice, now again grown in South Carolina by Carolina Plantation. The "Gold" comes from the appearance of rippening seed heads in the fields. Seeds were obtained from a seed bank, and carefully nurtuted into a crop. Subsequently, selective breeding of the Carolina Rice was applied to improve yield and flavor, producing the "Charleston Gold" rice variety. The photo specimens of intact grains were typically 0.280 inch long and 0.07 inch wide (7.1 x 1.8 mm). Current production has a lot of broken grains - possibly it is soft and difficult to mill, or possibly to emulate hand pounding, as was done by slaves.

Caution:   "Carolina Rice" and "Carolina Gold" (for their par boiled version) are trademarks owned by Riviana Foods, a Texas-based rice brand owner. Rice under these trademarks is an undistinguished long grain Texas rice unrelated by type, taste, appearance, or otherwise to the real Carolina Gold. The trademarks are probably the reason the real thing is now sold as "Charleston Gold".

This is a long grain type rice genetically from southern India or Indonesia, though it may have come from plantings in Madagascar. It was formerly a major export crop in South Carolina, from where much was sent to England in colonial days, then re-exported to Holland, Germany and France. After the American Revolution shipments no longer cleared through England but went direct.

Unfortunately, the growing methods used in South Carolina were heavily dependent on "Them happy darkies out thar work'n the fields an sing'n they songs. Den Damn Yankees come on down an' force'n the darkies to work for pay". Slaves from West Africa taught Carolina how to grow rice in swampy areas, but their health suffered badly from the swampy conditions. With no slaves available after the Civil War, the crop went into decline and disappeared. The last commercial crop was in 1927. Carolina Plantation is not allowed to use slave labor, so how can they claim their rice is "authentic"?

Popcorn Rice


Popcorn Rice Grains A hybrid of basmati and Patna type rice grown in Louisiana and Texas, this aromatic long grain rice, when cooked, has an aroma suggestive of popcorn, thus the name. It lacks any true basmati character. This is a rather small grain rice, the photo specimens being 0.275 inch long by 0.065 inch wide (7.0 x 1.7 mm). A cup of this rice needs 1-3/4 cups of water and cooks in 25 minutes.

Texmati / American Basmati


American Long Grain White Rice Grains

This is a hybrid of Basmati and Patna type rice, developed by RiceTec. It is sold under the brand RiceSelect which was formerly owned by RiceTec. It lacks any true Basmati characteristics, yet RiceTec tried to patent the name Basmati for it. Note that the milling is incomplete, resulting in more flavor than plain white rice. Photo specimes were 0.280 inch long by 0.085 inch width (7.1 x 2.2 mm). A cup of this rice needs 1-3/4 cups of water and cooks in 25 minutes.

Upland Rice


Upland Rice Grains Thomas Jefferson became a proponent of upland rice when he noted the very high amount of sickness paddy rice production was causing slaves. The upland rice he acquired was an African variety.

Today, a number of upland rice varieties are grown in North America, but not commercially. They are grown by small farmers or hobbyists for their own use. They may be African glaberrima or Asian indica varieties.   Photo by Desmanthus4food distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike v3.0 United States.

Wild Pecan Rice


Wild Pecan Rice Grains Not wild and no pecans - it's a hybrid long grain rice that owes most of it's character to incomplete milling. While not a brown rice, it still has a fair amount of bran left, giving it a nutty taste and aroma. The aroma and taste reminded the developer of the wild pecans that grew in the area, thus the name. The photo specimens were 0.290 inch long and 0.075 inch wide (7.4 x 1.9 mm). This rice is available on-line in 10 pound bags for about 2021 US $4.35 / pound, or 2 pound bags at $7.70 / pound, vs. regular long grain white at $1.00 / pound. Of course you can pay a lot more in the tiny decorative boxes in the markets.

Wild Rice - American:


American Wild Rice Grains [Zizania palustris, Zizania aquatica]

This is the seed of a marsh grass native to North America (there is also a species (Z. latifolia) that grows in Manchuria). Traditionally it was harvested by Americans Indians, particularly in the Great Lakes region of the US and Canada, who thrashed it into canoes. It took several passes through the marsh because the seed heads ripened unevenly and grains dropped as soon as they were ripe (shattered). It sold at such high prices it was usually cut 4 to 1 with regular rice when used, and served only at special dinners, like Thanksgiving.

Recently, plant geneticists developed a non-shattering variety suitable for single pass harvesting and growing in commercial paddies - and the natives are not happy. California and Minnesota now provide the bulk of wild rice production from farming. Though the natural varieties are still considered superior in flavor and texture they no longer fetch so high a price. There is also now some production in Australia and Hungary. The photo specimens are of paddy grown grains. Size varies widely with the largest grains about 0.480 inch long and 0.075 inch wide (12.2 x 1.9 mm). Like regular rice, wild rice has no gluten and is safe for celiacs.



Central American Rice

Geographers consider Mexico part of North America, but in culinary terms it is much closer to Central America, so here we consider it with other Central American countries, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

All the countries of Central America, Mexico included, grow some rice. Both paddy and upland cultures are used. None of these countries are at all self sufficient, so all are rice importers, mostly from the United States and Brazil, but some from Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Mexico is by far the largest export destination for the United states, at over 850,000 metric tons per year. Honduras and Nicaragua are also significant US export destinations, importing about 291,000 metric tons between them. Nicaragua and Costa Rica also import significant amounts of rice from Brazil

Nearly all the rice exported to these countries is long grain white indica rice, which is most accepted in their cuisines. Some Calrose type may also be exported to the region.


Caribbean Rice

Pretty much all rice production in the Caribban is of Long Grain indica type rice, as that is the kind that grows well in the tropics, and is the preferences of the Caribbean cuisines, but medium grain rice like Calrose is used to make rice piuddings and a few other dishes.

While all the Caribbean countries produce some rice, most of them are not self sufficient, so imported rice is important. Sources of this rice are various, but Brazil and Guyana are major suppliers.

Haiti

was self sufficient in rice until the early 1980s, when U.S. government subsidized imports made growing rice unprofitable in Haiti. Today, Haiti is the second largest export market for United States rice, at over 451 thousand metric tons, and very little is grown domestically. U.S. rice growers have benefitted substantially from the subsidies.

Dominican Republic

is considered self sufficient in rice. It exports about 10,000 Metric Tons and imports about 30,000 Metric Tons.

Barbados

grows a very modest amount of rice and exports a very small amount to smaller Caribbean islands. Barbados imports at least 6,000 metric tonnes per year. Most of these imports come from producers of long grain rice.

Trinadad and Tobago

used to produce as much as 20,000 metric tons of rice, but that has dwindled to 1,000 tons, apparently due to government mismanagement - like not paying the farmers in time for them to avoid bankruptcy. Imports are now around 33,000 tons.

Cuba

is in a bad way regarding rice. Domestic production has declined due to lack of equipment, fertilizers, pestcides, and from general politics. Even at its best Cuba's rice imports were very high, and, before the embargos, Cuba was the largest export market for U.S. rice. Rice imports are a problem due to a severe shortage of hard currency. Cuba's main export crop, sugar cane, is not paying the bills.

Jamaica

produces almost no rice, and even government increase plans of 2010 tageted only 15% domestic by 2015. They failed to get anywhere near that. Imports are more than 100,000 metric tons, 75% from Guyana and Suriname. They are committed to buy 60,000 metric tons from Guyana, but that country can't always ship that much, so some comes from the United States and Southeast Asia to fill the gap.

Puerto Rico

, a United States Territory, restarted rice cultivation in 2016, when domestic rice became available for the first time in 30 years. Now, though, (2021) China is dumping a lot of older medium grain rice to Puerto Rico from government stores at below market prices. This is certain to impact domestic rice production.


South American Rice



South America is a very rice dependent region. Predominantly long grain indica rice is grown, but significant amounts of Calrose type rice are grown locally and imported from California. This type of rice is particularly important for properly making the ever popular Pollo con Arroz (Chicken with Rice) which is related to Spanish paella, always made with japonica rice.

Long Grain Rice


Grains of American Long Grain White Rice Long Grain Patna (indica) paddy grown rice is the dominant type in most of South America, though some countries also grow a fair amount of Upland Rice. Brazil dominates production of this kind of rice (but also Upland Rice). This rice is grown in vast quantity in the most southern states of Brazil (Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul) where production is highly mechanized for planting (direct seeding) and harvest. Composition of production is about 35% broken rice (used by food processors), 35% parboiled and brown rice, and 30% white polished rice. The photo specimens were typically 0.295 inch long and 0.070 inch wide (7.5 x 1.8 mm). A cup of rice will take about 1-3/4 cups of water and cook up to 3 cups in about 25 minutes.

Tio Joã


Tio Joao Rice Grains

This is actually a brand rather than a type, but this brand of white long grain rice is extremely popular in Brazil for the traditional Beans & Rice. It is grown in Brazil and some is exported to the United States. The photo specimens were 0.330 inch long and 0.080 inch wide (8.4 x 2.0 mm). One cup of rice takes 1-3/4 cups of water to make 3 cups cooked in about 25 minutes.

Medium Grain japonica


Calrose Rice Grains Some Calrose type rice may be imported from California or grown locally. A short or medium grain japonica rice is needed to authentically reproduce some Portuguese dishes, particularly thick soups, and Pollo con Arroz, a very popular dish in Spanish speaking regions of South America

Upland Rice


Bolivian Rice Farmer with Upland Rice [Oryza sativa]

The Upland Rice grown in Latin America is not the African kind, but was probably brought from Southeast Asia, where a great deal of upland rice is grown. Latin American upland rices are most closely related to var japonica but with some influence from var javonica. Brazil produces far and away more upland rice than the rest of Latin America combined, but it also very important in Bolivia and significant in Peru, Columbia, and Venezuela. Upland rice production has been declining, because of the heavy concentration on improving paddy rice, but recently research has shifted to improving Upland Rice. Upland rice is particularly important to rural small holders.   Photo by Neil Palmer (CIAT)distributed under license Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike v2.0 Generic - attribution required.

Wild Rice - Amazon


Rufipogan Rice Plants [Oryza glumaepatula, Oryza latifolia, Oryza (unnamed) (cultivated)]

These wild rice species are native to the Amazon drainage and the indigenous peoples of the region cultivated these types. Apparently cultivation has long ended, because there is no species name for a domesticated rice of this type. About 1.2% of Brazil's rice production is "Vázea" Rice. Vázea is a flooded forrest. I have not found if any of this rice is of the native species. The photo is of Oryza rufipogon from Asia. Oryza glumaepatula was long considered to be identical to the Asian wild rice, but molecular genetics found some differences.   Photo by Daderot contributed to the Public Domain.

Argentina

produces significant amounts of rice, about 830 million tons and exports a fair amount of it. This is about 95% Long Grain indica type rice, and the rest is Medium Grain. All is grown in the north adjacent to Paraguay and Uruguay, and production is highly mechanized. About 60% is exported, as Argentines eat mostly beef and bread.

Bolivia

produces nearly 400,000 metric tons of rice, nearly all of which is Upland Rice. Bolivia is generally self-sufficient in rice, importing some years and exporting other years. Exports are difficult because Upland Rice is not considered high quality by most importers. Much effort is being put into improving yields and quality of Upland Rice.

Brazil

produces by far the most rice of any country in South America, and now is the 6th largest exporter of rice worldwide. It's major destinations are Venezuela, Senegal, Peru, Gambia, Sierra Leone, United States and Costa Rica. Brazil imports rice from Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. These providers are adjacent to the southern tip of Brazil, it's main rice growing region. Brazil exports primarily Long Grain indica rice. Most rice grown elswhere in Brazil is for domestic consumption, and the majority of it is Upland Rice.

Chile

, a low rice consumption country, produces about 174,000 metric tons of paddy rice, which is about 110,000 metric tons of milled rice. Consumption is 231,000 metric tons of milled rice. The balance must be imported, from Argentina (35%), Paraguay (25%), and Uruguay (13%). That imported is mostly Long Grain indica rice, but all rice production in Chili is Medium Grain japonica, as the rice growing region is too far south for indica.

Colombia

produces about 1.8 million tons of rice per year, more than all other South American countries except Brazil and Peru.most of which is Long Grain indica rice. About 1/4 of production is Upland Rice for domestic consumption. Global warming is a serious threat to the rice industry in Colombia.

Ecuador

produces about 930,000 metric tons of rice, most of which is Long Grain indica rice. Some rice is imported from the United States, though with high tarrifs. One Equadorian recipe writer talked about how pleased she was with switching from Long Grain rice to Calrose. About 20% of Ecuadorian rice production is Upland Rice.

Guyana

is on the South American continent, but generally considered part of the Caribbean economic sphere. It produces about 1 million metric tons of rice per year. Most is Long Grain indica rice, but around 20% is Upland Rice. Exports of rice are very important to Guyana's economy and total about 520,000 metric tons, or over half of production. The major export market is Venezuela, but Jamaica is committed to buy 60,000 tons. Some goes to Trinidad and Tobago where rice production has dropped to almost none.

Peru

produces about 2.2 million metric tons of rice per year. In many years it exports little or no rice and imports to fill shortfall, but in 2019 it exported 74,678 metric tons and 91,020metric tons in 2020. Exports are primarily Long Grain indica rice, which is also the rice preferred by the elite in Peru. Medium Grain rice, including Upland Rice is preferred by the general population. About 20% of Peruvian rice production is Upland Rice.

Suriname

is on the South American continent, but generally considered part of the Caribbean economic sphere. Its rice production is about 275,000 metric tons, pretty much all Long Grain indica rice. Around 110,000 metric tons are exported, about 56% as cargo rice (unmilled), 39% milled white rice, and 4% parboiled rice. The largest export is to Jamaica (62%), but some also to Trinidad and Tobogo, where rice production has dropped to almost nothing. Some (12%) goes to Europe and some to North America (14%).

Venezuela

is a net importing country, primarily from Brazil. Domestic production is about 760,000 metric tons, predominantly Long Grain indica rice, but also a fair amount of Upland Rice.


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