Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the world's most vital staple crops and serves as a dietary cornerstone for a significant portion of the global population, particularly in Asia. It is a cereal grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years.
Varieties and Types:
There are thousands of rice varieties, but the two primary types are indica and japonica. Indica rice is long-grain and is known for its aroma and tends to remain separate when cooked. Japonica rice, on the other hand, is short-grain and sticky when cooked, making it ideal for dishes like sushi.