Growing Rice in the UK

 

My Chinese relatives are surprised no one has commented on the fact that we,
as a country, seem to be eating more rice as time goes on, that some
farming areas get flooded, such as those near to the Severn, and yet no-one
has suggested that these farmers consider growing rice. As they pointed
out, there are varieties of rice that do not need enormous quantities of
water (but which can tolerate large amounts very easily), and there are
also varieties that can grow in colder regions (rice is grown around
Harbin, in the far north-east of China, which has extensive cold winters).

So, my question is, does anyone know of anything concerned with rice-growing
in the UK? Evaluation trials? Attempts to grow rice commercially, etc?
--
Zhang DaWei: United Kingdom
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I haven't but I'd like to know too!

Mary

 



it's like a monsoon here again so roll on with the rice advice

 


|>
|> it's like a monsoon here again so roll on with the rice advice

There speaks someone who has never been in a monsoon!  Well, actually,
I haven't, either, but I have been in tropical rainstorms.  You would
immediately notice the difference in the temperature ....

Now, there ARE northern water plants that might be worth trying.
I believe that the 'wild rice' we buy grows right up into Canada,
and so might well grow here.

And apparently the rhizomes of reed mace ('bulrush') are starchy
and edible, but I don't know what they taste like.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

 



That's what I thought!


I haven't been in either - but have seen them on film.


That's a grass though ... and not often eaten by itself. Well, not in this
house :-)


I bet they don't taste like rice nor are as convenient.

I want to grow Basmati, not because it's fashionable (no idea whether it is
or not) but because I like the flavour.

Mary