In an annual competition that pitches kernel against kernel to be named World’s Best Rice, Thailand’s Khao hom mali (jasmine rice) has taken the top spot.
Thailand claimed the 2016 World’s Best Rice crown at the 8th World Rice Conference held in Chiang Mai, beating rice producers from 14 countries including India, Vietnam, the USA, Myanmar and Pakistan. The competition took the form of a blind tasting where expert rice chefs compared flavour, texture and fragrance.
Khao hom mali is the highest grade rice in Thailand. It has long grains and is known for its floral aroma, sweet taste and soft, slightly sticky texture making it a great accompaniment to curries, stir-fries and soups.
Cambodia’s phka rumduol rice and California’s calrose rice took the second and third prize.Hom mali last held the World’s Best Rice title in 2009 and 2010, losing out to Myanmar’s paw san rice in 2011. Paw san rice has thick, round grains that can expand three or four times when cooked. Since then the title has been claimed by California’s calrose rice, a glutinous japonica rice perfect for sushi making, and Cambodia’s phka mali and phka rumduol rices, both of which are aromatic rices similar to hom mali.
Thailand is the second largest exporter of rice in the world with an estimated 16 million Thais working as rice farmers and plantation workers. A common term for ‘eat’ in Thailand is gin kôw (literally ‘consume rice’) and one of the most common greetings is Gin kôw rĕu yang? (Have you consumed rice yet?). The World’s Best Rice contest was part of a three-day rice industry conference hosted by American publication, The Rice Trader.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the global rice industry, particularly the nuances surrounding rice varieties and competitions, I can attest to the significance of the annual event that crowns the World's Best Rice. Having closely followed the developments and trends in the rice sector, I am well-versed in the criteria and intricacies that define the winning rice variety.
The 2016 World’s Best Rice competition, which unfolded at the 8th World Rice Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, showcased the prowess of Thailand's Khao hom mali, also known as jasmine rice. I can underscore the importance of blind tastings in such competitions, where expert rice chefs meticulously evaluate flavor, texture, and fragrance, ensuring an unbiased assessment.
Khao hom mali, revered as the highest grade rice in Thailand, possesses distinct characteristics that contribute to its top-ranking status. Its long grains, floral aroma, sweet taste, and slightly sticky texture make it an exceptional choice, particularly when paired with curries, stir-fries, and soups. This rice variety's previous victories in 2009 and 2010 reinforce its consistent excellence.
The article also highlights the diverse competition field, featuring rice producers from 14 countries, including India, Vietnam, the USA, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Notably, Cambodia's phka rumduol rice secured the second spot, while California's calrose rice claimed the third prize. This demonstrates the global nature of the competition and the rich array of rice varieties worldwide.
A significant mention is made of Myanmar’s paw san rice, which interrupted Khao hom mali's winning streak in 2011. The distinctive trait of paw san rice lies in its thick, round grains that expand significantly when cooked, providing a unique culinary experience.
The subsequent shifts in the title-holder, with California's calrose rice and Cambodia's phka mali and phka rumduol rices taking center stage, showcase the dynamic nature of the competition. California's calrose rice, particularly noted for its suitability in sushi making, adds a layer of diversity to the winners' circle.
The article also delves into the cultural and economic context of rice in Thailand, emphasizing its status as the second-largest exporter of rice globally. With an estimated 16 million Thais engaged in rice farming and plantation work, the article sheds light on the integral role of rice in Thai culture. The linguistic connection between 'eat' and 'consume rice' (gin kôw) and the common greeting "Gin kôw rĕu yang?" (Have you consumed rice yet?) underscores the cultural significance of rice in daily life.
In summary, the World’s Best Rice competition serves as a lens into the global rice landscape, highlighting the diversity of rice varieties, culinary preferences, and cultural connections to this staple food.
