Calasparra rice () is a variety of
rice
Rice is a cereal grain and in its Domestication, domesticated form is the staple food of over half of the world's population, particularly in Asia and Africa. Rice is the seed of the grass species ''Oryza sativa'' (Asian rice)—or, much l ...
native to the
region
In geography, regions, otherwise referred to as areas, zones, lands or territories, are portions of the Earth's surface that are broadly divided by physical characteristics (physical geography), human impact characteristics (human geography), and ...
of
Murcia
Murcia ( , , ) is a city in south-eastern Spain, the Capital (political), capital and most populous city of the autonomous community of the Region of Murcia, and the Ranked lists of Spanish municipalities#By population, seventh largest city i ...
,
Spain
Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...
.
Along with rice produced in
Valencia
Valencia ( , ), formally València (), is the capital of the Province of Valencia, province and Autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community of Valencian Community, the same name in Spain. It is located on the banks of the Turia (r ...
and the
Ebro Delta, it is one of three Spanish rices with a
Denominación de Origen
In Spain and Latin America, the (; )In other languages of Spain:
* Catalan: ().
* ().
* (). is part of a regulatory geographical indication system used primarily for foodstuffs such as cheeses, condiments, honey, and meats, among others. ...
,
since 1986. It is named for the municipality of
Calasparra
Calasparra () is a municipality in the autonomous community of Murcia, Spain. It shares borders with Cieza, Mula, Cehegín, Moratalla and province of Albacete.
History
There were people living in Calasparra during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Th ...
.
Rice cultivation is documented in Murcia dating back to the 14th century, and is thought to have been introduced to the area by
Muslim
Muslims () are people who adhere to Islam, a Monotheism, monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God ...
occupiers. The use of
terrace irrigation and well-drained soil make the region ideal for rice cultivation. Calasparra rice is matured longer than other strains of rice, and is exceptionally absorbent, making it well-suited for the preparation of
paella
Paella (, , , , ; ) is a rice dish originally from the Valencian Community. ''Paella'' is regarded as one of the community's identifying symbols. It is one of the best-known dishes in Spanish cuisine.
The dish takes its name from the wide, sha ...
.
See also
*
Bomba rice — also known as Valencia rice
References
External links
Regulatory Council of the Calasparra Rice DO ''(Spanish)''
Rice varieties
Spanish cuisine
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