Rice! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Eight thousand years

Rice is one of the oldest foods known to mankind. Dr Zong Yongquiang, of Durham University in England, excavated a Neolithic site called Kuahuqiao in eastern China. Here, he found evidence of rice cultivation going back almost eight thousand years. (Information for this question came from "The Independent" newspaper, 28/9/07).

Answer: More than 40,000

There are so many varieties and sub-varieties of rice that it is impossible to count them all, but at least 40,000 are known. This variety is a result of rice being cultivated for some many years, in so many places.(With the exception of Antarctica, rice is cultivated on all continents.) Some of the best known types of rice include white rice, whole or brown rice, jasmine and basmati.

Answer: Malay

The word "padi" means rice plant in Malay. A rice paddy is flooded field used for growing semi-aquatic rice. Unlike deepwater rice fields, paddy fields are not completely submerged at all times.

Answer: African slaves

Slaves from the West Coast of Africa are believed to be responsible for the introduction of rice to the New World. The low countries of North and South Carolina have a climate similar to that of West Africa, and the area was suitable for rice cultivation. Slave owners in the Carolinas exploited the experience of the West African slaves, and specifically sought slaves from Gambia and Sierra-Leone. According to anthropologist Joseph Opala, these were the only slave owners who took an interest in their slaves' country of origin. Once in the Carolinas, the West Africans constructed irrigation systems similar to those used in African, and cultivated the rice using methods they brought with them. (Information for this question came from Yale/edu/gle/gallah.)

Answer: True

Rice combined with legumes form a dish that is tasty, economical, and nutritious! In fact, "beans and rice" form a complete protein, and is an ideal choice for vegetarians. Interested in a tasty dish that is appropriate for your vegetarian, vegan and kosher friends? Try this delicious dish called chelov ghalia, that I learned from my husband, who was born in Herat, Afghanistan. First, make your rice the Middle Eastern way, so that each grain is separate.

Heat a little oil in the pot, saute a cup of rice, and add boiling water until the rice is just covered. Cover your pot and cook over a low flame, about fifteen minutes, until small holes form in the surface of the rice.

While the rice is cooking, make the sauce. Saute a small, chopped onion and a clove or two of garlic in olive oil.

Then add either fresh or frozen spinach, and continue to saute a few minutes. Add a cup of vegetable broth, and about half a cup of cooked or canned chick peas. Cover and cook over a low flame about fifteen minutes. Serve over the rice with a slice of fresh lemon!

Answer: Diarrhea

The standard diet recommendation for people suffering from diarrhea is usually abbreviated as "b.r.a.t." for "bread, rice, apples, and tea". The starch contained in rice helps "bind" the loose stools associated with diarrhea. Rice is easy to digest, and if not seasoned, is bland enough not to trouble an upset stomach.

Answer: All of these

Sake is an alcoholic beverage made in Japan. The Japanese and Chinese also make paper from rice. This paper, which often has an interesting texture, can be used for calligraphy, paper cuts, kites, and window coverings. Because rice is so digestible, one of the first foods offered to infants is frequently a rice cereal.

Other products made from rice include breakfast cereals, crackers and noodles.

Answer: True

In an unusual move, the United Nations declared 2004 to be the "Year of Rice". Tens of nations, most of them from the Third World, sponsored the declaration, which sought to emphasize the importance of rice in the fight against hunger and poverty. (see the Food and Agricultural section of the UN web page for more information about the Year of Rice.)

Answer: Goulash

Risotto is an Italian dish made from short-grain or round rice. After browning the rice with onion, liquid is added slowly so that the final result is creamy. Pilaf can be found throughout the Middle East, including Iran and Turkey. Various ingredients, such as meats or vegetables, are added to the sauteed rice.

In a pilaf, each rice grain should be separate. Hoppin' John is popular in the American South and with African-Americans. The basic ingredients are rice and black-eyed peas. Goulash, a typical Hungarian dish, is a delicious beef stew, but does not contain rice. (I hope you noted that the rice dishes come from four different continents!)

Answer: To turn over someone's rice bowl.

Chinese girls are also warned about leaving uneaten rice in their bowls. Each grain, they are told, will be a scar on the face of their groom-to-be. (Information for this question came from the US Rice Board's web site.)