Rice

The grain that feeds half of humanity

Plov is made from rice — and rice is the grain of a plant! Rice grows in water: farmers turn the field into a pond and wade through it. In Asia, terraces like staircases are built on mountainsides — you can see them from space. 3.5 billion people in the world eat rice every day. In Uzbekistan, rice is grown in Khorezm and Karakalpakstan.

Rice (Oryza sativa) was domesticated 9,000 years ago in China (Yangtze valley); Africa has its own species (O. glaberrima). 520 million tonnes a year, 90% in Asia; it is the staple food of 3.5 billion people. Flooded paddies suppress weeds and fix nitrogen; 2,000-year-old terraces (Banaue in the Philippines, Yuanyang in China) are UNESCO sites. Rice fields emit methane — 10% of greenhouse gases. 'Golden rice' is a genetically modified variety with vitamin A. Uzbekistan grows the 'Lazer' and 'Alanga' varieties; for plov, 'devzira' — a reddish rice from Fergana aged for 2 years. One plant gives 3,000 grains. Rice straw becomes paper, roofs and even building material.

Fun facts

• 3.5 billion people eat rice every day — half the planet.
• 'Devzira' rice for plov is aged for 2 years before cooking!
• Rice terraces are 2,000 years old and visible from space.