Photo Credit - Abdullah Al Sheikh
Nestled amidst the world's largest oasis of palm trees in the world exists a surprising phenomenon that one would not necessarily expect to find in Saudi Arabia - rice fields!
Photo Credit - Reuters
The red Hasawi rice has been cultivated in the southeastern region of the country in the Al Ahsa area for generations.
Photo - Reuters
It is the world's most expensive rice and is well suited to the salty soil conditions and warmth of the region, in addition to being drought tolerant.
Photo - Reuters
The rice gets its red color from the outer hull being left on the grains. It is high in carbohydrates, fibre, protein and nutritional value, and it is also said to have healing properties.
Photo - Reuters
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You are right - rice growing is not something I would have expected to see there at all.
ReplyDeleteFascinating! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete...rice is a staple of life around the world.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is totally unexpected. I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteQuite productive.
ReplyDeleteDearest Suzie thank you so much for sharing these! That first photo from the aerial shot is such paradise! I always imagine Arabia with those grand and regal Date palm trees! It's very cool that rice also thrives there in the dessert.
ReplyDelete