You might not have heard of it before, but we can assure you, rice tourism is real. After learning about the concept we looked into whether rice fields in Thailand will become the next big attraction for Australians.
You see, Thailand has developed a new variety of rice, and Australia is one of the major exporting countries with 70,000 tones of the good stuff sent to our shores each year.
Changing trends of consumers have enabled Thailand to create a healthier and more sustainable grain that not only will improve your health but actually slow down the aging process.
Meena Rice Based Cuisine Chiang Mai
Yes, it’ll keep you young. Now you’re interested.
It’s known as RD43 Rice which is a soft aromatic white rice with medium-low GI. Suitable for weight watch and blood sugar control.
So what does this have to do with tourism you say? Well, there is a growing market of Australians who are looking to learn where the grain is grown and what the processing procedures are.
Agri-tourism is big, and with this new variety, Thailand is going to attract educated tourists.
“Thailand is being lead to being a more nutritious and healthy location for tourists while supporting local farmers and communities. The demand from visitors is growing and they will want to visit the areas where the production is happening as more new products are being developed.”
Ben (Watcharaphon Boonlai) – Advisor to the Minister of Commerce
A small village – Pha Mon, is where you can get a crash course in cooking these rare and delicious Northern Thai dishes from the native experts. One main dish is called ‘Ber” which is a curry made from rice, baby rattan palm and minced pork mixed together along with steamed chicken offal with curry paste.
Check out the HelloTaste e-book for more information.
This unique variety of rice is producing new and exciting products from oil, skin cream, milk and snacks for the elderly that promote longevity and nutritional value.
With the rice paddies scattered throughout Thailand, it is only a matter of time until a tour operator creates an experience allowing visitors to see first hand the creation of new products.
