(8) Uncovering the Secrets of Vietnamese Jasmine Rice

Vietnamese Jasmine Rice is a type of long-grain rice that is known for its fragrant aroma and delicate flavor. It is grown in the fertile regions of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, where the warm and humid climate provides ideal conditions for rice cultivation. In this article, we will explore the secrets of Vietnamese Jasmine Rice and why it is so highly regarded by chefs and food lovers around the world.

1. Discover some outstanding features of Vietnamese jasmine rice

1.1. Outstanding features of Vietnamese Jasmine rice

Vietnamese Jasmine Rice, also known as fragrant rice or aromatic rice, is a type of long-grain rice that is highly regarded for its fragrant aroma and delicate flavor. Here are some of the key characteristics of Vietnamese Jasmine Rice:

• Fragrance: One of the most distinctive characteristics of Vietnamese Jasmine Rice is its fragrance. When cooked, the rice emits a sweet, floral aroma that is reminiscent of jasmine flowers. This aroma is due to a natural compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which is produced during the rice's growth and is concentrated in the rice grain's germ and bran.

• Texture: Vietnamese Jasmine Rice has a soft, slightly sticky texture when cooked, which makes it ideal for a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, sushi, and rice puddings. The texture is due to the rice's high starch content, which is concentrated in the center of the grain.

• Appearance: The grains of Vietnamese Jasmine Rice are long and slender, with a pointed tip at one end. The grains are also slightly translucent, which gives them a pearly white appearance.

• Flavor: Vietnamese Jasmine Rice has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a wide range of ingredients. The flavor is due to the rice's unique combination of amylose and amylopectin, two types of starch that give the rice its characteristic texture and flavor.

• Nutritional Value: Vietnamese Jasmine Rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy. It also contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, including thiamine, niacin, iron, and magnesium.

In summary, Vietnamese Jasmine Rice is a fragrant and flavorful rice with a soft, slightly sticky texture. It is prized by chefs and food lovers around the world for its unique characteristics and is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

1.2. Growing Vietnamese jasmine rice by natural methods

Vietnamese jasmine rice is grown according to the natural method, also known as the organic rice growing method. This means not using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, but using natural methods to nourish rice, protect and improve the soil.

These natural methods include using organic fertilizers such as rice residue, straw, manure and green beans to improve the soil and nourish the rice plants. At the same time, farmers also use pest control measures by using adjacent plants, hunting, spraying from natural sources such as grapefruit oil, chili oil, garlic, chili, orange peel. ...

Organic rice farming helps protect human health and the environment, minimizes negative impacts on soil and groundwater, and enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. In addition, organic rice products often have better quality and higher nutritional value than rice grown by traditional methods.

2. Some factors affect the price of Vietnamese jasmine rice

The price of Vietnamese jasmine rice depends on many factors, including:

• Weather: If the rain is favorable and windy enough and enough, the output and quality of rice will be better, the price may drop. However, if rain is not enough or too much, rice production will decrease, and quality will also suffer, which can lead to increased prices.

• Market volatility: World rice prices can change economic, political, and rice production situations in major rice producing countries such as India, Thailand and the US. If the world rice price increases, the export price of Vietnamese rice will also increase.

• Production cost: The price of rice depends on the cost of rice production, including the cost of seed materials, small manure, pesticides and labor. If production costs increase, rice prices will also increase to ensure profits for producers.

• Transportation costs: The cost of transporting rice from the point of production to the point of consumption also affects the price of rice transportation. If transportation costs increase, the price of rice will also increase to compensate for this cost.

• Consumption demand: Domestic and foreign rice demand also affects the price. If demand increases, prices also increase to meet this demand.

• Government policy: Government policy towards rice production and export also affects prices. If the government supports rice producers to export, prices may drop. Conversely, if the government imposes export restrictions or imposes import taxes, prices may rise.

The price of Vietnamese jasmine rice for export also depends on many factors such as the cost of production materials, transportation costs, farmers' income and market fluctuations. Currently, the price of Vietnamese jasmine rice for export ranges from about 400-500 USD/ton depending on the type of rice and market conditions.

3. How to buy Vietnamese jasmine rice at the best price

Currently, there are many places to buy Vietnamese jasmine rice, but not all of them are good. Below we will give you some suggestions on buying channels for you to choose from:

• Grocery stores and supermarkets: Most supermarkets and grocery stores sell Vietnamese jasmine rice at different prices. You should check and compare prices at different stores to find the best Vietnamese jasmine rice.

• Buy online: There are many online sales websites that sell Vietnamese jasmine rice at a cheaper price than the store. You can refer to websites like Tiki, Shopee, Lazada, ... to search for Vietnamese jasmine rice with good prices.

• Buy directly from the producer or farmer: If you can reach the producer or farmer directly, this is one way to buy Vietnamese jasmine rice at a good price. You can refer to farmers' markets, farms, or directly contact the producer to buy rice.

• Look for promotions: Sometimes manufacturers and retailers will have promotions and discounts to encourage consumers to buy Vietnamese jasmine rice. You should follow this information to buy rice at a good price.

Note that the price of Vietnamese jasmine rice can change from time to time and from place to place, so you should regularly monitor and compare prices to get the best deal.

4. Some areas grow a lot of Vietnamese jasmine rice

Below is a list of some of Vietnam's major rice-growing regions and an estimated rice production there in 2021:

• Mekong Delta (Mekong River Delta): This region is the key growing area of Vietnamese jasmine rice with an output of 19.5 million tons of rice. This region focuses on growing rice in the provinces of An Giang, Dong Thap, Kien Giang, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Hau Giang, Can Tho and neighboring provinces.

• Red River Delta: This region ranks second with an output of 5.7 million tons of rice. This region focuses on growing rice in the provinces of Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Hung Yen and Ninh Binh.

• Central region: This region focuses on growing rice in the provinces of Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam and Binh Dinh. Total production in the Central region is about 1.5 million tons of rice

• Central Highlands: This region focuses on growing rice in the provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Dak Nong. Total production in the Central Highlands is about 1.3 million tons of rice.

• Hau River Delta: This is Vietnamese jasmine rice growing area at least with an output of 1.1 million tons of rice.. This region focuses on growing rice in the provinces of An Giang, Kien Giang, Hau Giang and Can Tho.

In addition, Vietnam also has a number of other rice-growing regions such as the Northern Midlands and Mountains.