Theresa Adasijah

Jasmine Rice: From Seed to Plate Jasmine rice is a prized long-grain variety native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand and Cambodia. Its distinct floral aroma, soft texture, and slightly sweet flavor make it a staple in both home kitchens and high-end restaurants. More than just a side dish, jasmine rice carries cultural, agricultural, and economic significance in the regions where it's grown. In this presentation, we9ll walk through the full journey of jasmine rice4 from seed selection to cultivation, harvesting, processing, and global distribution4revealing why this grain is so beloved around the world. by Theresa Adasijah Origins and Popular Varieties Jasmine rice originated in Thailand and Cambodia centuries ago and is still a major agricultural export for both countries. Thai Hom Mali 105 This is the world-renowned Cambodian Phka Rumduol premium strain, known for its Often considered equally exceptional fragrance and aromatic, this variety is softer long, slender grains. Grown and has subtle jasmine and mainly in northeastern pandan-like notes. Thailand. Vietnamese Jasmine Rice Similar in shape but with a milder aroma; often cultivated for global export. Each variety reflects its country9s unique climate, soil, and farming heritage. Ideal Climate and Soil for Cultivation To produce high-quality Jasmine rice, the growing environment must be just right: Climate Jasmine rice thrives in tropical climates with temperatures between 25335°C (77395°F). It is highly sensitive to weather changes, especially droughts and flooding. Soil Requirements Prefers loamy or clay-rich soils that can retain water well. The land is usually flat and flood-prone, perfect for paddy systems. Water Management Controlled irrigation and field flooding are essential. Too much or too little water affects the aroma and grain development. Sunlight Jasmine rice needs long days of direct sunlight during its growth cycle to develop its signature aroma. How Jasmine Rice is Grown (Cultivation Process) The farming process for Jasmine rice involves multiple stages: 1 Land Preparation Farmers plow and level the fields to retain water and create a smooth surface for sowing. Sowing 2 Depending on the method, seeds are either directly sown into the field or seedlings are raised and later transplanted. 3 Water Control Fields are flooded to a certain depth during early growth and drained before harvest. Fertilization & Weed Control 4 Often done organically in traditional systems; synthetic fertilizers and herbicides are used in commercial farms. 5 Monitoring Growth Farmers track stages such as tillering, booting, heading, and ripening to time the harvest precisely. This cycle lasts 4 to 6 months, depending on the region and variety. Harvesting and Processing When the rice is mature4grains golden and slightly dry4the harvest begins: Harvesting Traditionally done by hand using sickles, although machines are used in large farms. Timing is critical to avoid grain shattering or spoilage. Drying Grains are sun-dried or mechanically dried to reduce moisture to 13314%, ensuring safe storage. Threshing Separates the grain from stalks using threshers or manual beating. Hulling & Milling Removes the outer husk (hulling) and polishes the grain (milling), giving us the white Jasmine rice commonly sold. Grading & Packaging Grains are sorted by size and purity. Broken or discolored grains are removed before final packaging for markets or export. Traditional Farming Practices In areas like Thung Kula Rong Hai, Thailand, farmers still use traditional methods that enhance rice quality: Manual Transplanting Organic Fertilizers Sun Drying Seedlings are grown in Many smallholders use Grains are sun-dried on nurseries and transplanted compost, manure, and bamboo mats or concrete Farming skills are passed by hand for better control plant-based nutrients slabs4slow but effective at down through families, over plant spacing and instead of chemicals. preserving aroma. ensuring consistency and root health. These traditional practices are key to producing the world9s most aromatic Jasmine rice. Generational Knowledge care in each cycle. Nutritional Value and Taste Profile Jasmine rice isn9t just delicious4it offers several nutritional benefits: Carbohydrates A rich source of energy, especially for active lifestyles. One cup cooked = ~45g carbs. Low in Fat & Cholesterol-Free Ideal for heart-healthy and weight-conscious diets. Gluten-Free Safe for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Moderate Protein Contains 234 grams of protein per serving. Natural Aroma Its fragrance comes from a compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which gives it that sweet, popcorn-like smell. When cooked, Jasmine rice is soft, fluffy, and slightly sticky4perfect for absorbing sauces and broths. Watch: Jasmine Rice Farming in Thailand Video Title: Amazing Jasmine Rice Farming Process in Thailand B YouTube How Rice is Made in Thailand û The process of making tons of rice in a Thailand Factory is amazing. The staple of Thai Street Food, rice. But it's not just here, Thailand is the world's 2nd& 12:44 This video gives a step-by-step visual of Jasmine rice farming, starting from soil preparation through to harvesting. It beautifully captures both manual labor and the cultural aspects of rice farming in rural Thailand. Watch: Modern Rice Processing and Packaging Video Title: Modern Jasmine Rice Processing and Packaging B YouTube How Rice is Grown in Thailand: From & What an INCREDIBLE experience! I got a chance to go to Thailand to film a mini& 15:32 This video shows how harvested rice is turned into the polished product you find in stores. See the hulling, polishing, sorting, and automated packaging lines in large-scale facilities. Traditional Planting of Jasmine Rice by Hand (Chiang Mai, Thailand)  Up-close look at manual farming and traditional techniques · YouTube Planting Jasmine rice by hand in Chiang Mai Thailand 15th of August & Two rice crops per year thanks to our proximity to a large reservoir of water. A sophisticated network of canals deliver water on demand, but as you might& 02:01 Organic Jasmine Rice Harvesting 3 Life of a Rural Farmer ¢ Focus on sustainable, low-input organic farming methods · YouTube Rural farmer life. Organic Jasmine Rice Harvesting. Organic Jasmine Rice Harvesting, Rural farmer life This is my father's method of growing rice, who is 72 years old. He has always grown jasmine rice without& 16:34 Conclusion Jasmine rice is more than a culinary staple4it's a reflection of deep cultural heritage and sustainable farming practices across Asia. From Thailand9s fragrant fields to Vietnam9s GI-protected regions and Cambodia9s organic methods, each grain tells a story of origin and quality. Understanding how Jasmine rice is grown, processed, and evaluated for quality empowers you to make informed decisions when sourcing or supporting this product. Whether you're enhancing your beer house offerings or educating your customers, these insights create stronger connections and trust around the food you serve. For deeper knowledge, explore the supporting research documents below: PDF file Production_Efficiency_of_Jasmine_Rice_Producers_in.pdf 289.8 KB Fichier PDF Characterization of Jasmine Rice.pdf 847.9 KB Fichier PDF Quality_Control_Management_of_Traditional_Jasmine_.pdf 774.1 KB PDF file Soil Amendments Effect on Yield and Quality of Jasmine Rice.pdf 985.7 KB