National Rice Month

Everyday for the month of September is National Rice Month. All over the world people eat rice either by itself or with a meal.

History

• 2500 B.C. rice has been a source of food for people
• Rice originated in China
• It was brought to West Asia and Greece in 300 B.C. by Alexander the Great's armies
• 800 A.D. East Africa traded with India and Indonesia who were introduced to rice
• West Africans had been growing varieties of rice before the slave trade with the colonies
• During the slave trade slaves brought rice with them, once they were in the colonies they grew leftover rice in their own garden plots for food
• Slaves used their rice growing knowledge to convert the swampy Carolina lowlands for rice plantations
• Rice can grown in deserts lands and wetlands, the height of the rice grows between two and six feet tall

There are various types of rice that people all over enjoy to eat and used in different meals:

• Short-grain rice used in things like sushi, paella, and risotto
• Long-grain rice used in pilafs or dishes with a lot of sauce
• Jasmine and basmati used in Indian and Asian food
• Brown rice is a healthier form of rice

Recipes Using Rice

Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 2 cups of either leftover or freshly cooked white rice
• 1 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup of raisins
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons of melted margarine
• 1 egg beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch glass baking dish.

In a large bowl combine all wet ingredients: milk, vanilla extract, melted margarine, and egg. Add the sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg to the mixture. Stir well. Combine with the rice and raisins. Stir well and pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cook for 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and set. Cool slightly and serve.

Brown Rice with Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1 can or jar (4 ounces) mushroom pieces
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a skillet over medium low heat, melt butter. Cook chopped onion and green bell pepper in butter for 4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; cook until hot and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Rice Sock

Rice could also be used as a heat pack or a cold compress. You can make a rice sock to help relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy, ease the tension of headaches or sore muscles, and even help with baby after birth. Women could also use it during their menstrual time to ease the cramps. This is an inexpensive way to to ease your aches and you can do it yourself. Also you can contribute aromatherapy by adding your favorite essential oil to the rice. Here are two sites to demonstrate how to create a rice sock:

Homemade Heat Pack or Cold Compress

How to Make a Rice Sock