Add rinsed Water can only be used in the fields once, unlike many other countries where it is repumped over and over again. We source premier short grain, red rice with its hull intact for the world-class texture, flavor and color of our Camargue (French Red) Rice. To serveTurn out each ramekin onto a plate, add the salad, the sauce and the rice biscuits. This organic rice is grown in Camargue. I had always thought that we Americans had the monopoly on cowboys, but as it turns out, that is not the case. It has all the requirements for this crop – abundant water from the Rhône delta, sun, and the mistral wind, which dries the rice … Rice from the Camargue represents a tiny percentage of the world’s output. What Brexit means for British residents, second homeowners and visitors in France - now and after December 31, 2020. Visitors to the 13,000-hectare nature reserve can also see (and ride!) Much of the outer Camargue has been drained for agricultural purposes. Without it there would not be the biodiversity for which the region is famous and in particular, there would not be such rich birdlife.”. White rice is a husked rice. The different grades of rice from the Camargue, whether organic orconventional, can enjoy a variety of dishes. This ancient, colourful, friendly, vibrant city is a beauty. Nature trails, observation platforms and exhibitions in the park, not to mention the Camargue Museum and the local Rice Museum (Maison du Riz), all make for an informative day out. Chapter 2 : Never-ending French Dinner, Pascaline Lepeltier - Loire Valley Wines 1, Fromager d’Affinois and Porcini Mushroom Grilled Cheese, PDO Vallée des Baux-de-Provence Olive Oil. They boost the immune system, support the heart and nervous system and help prevent muscle cramps. Nature trails, observation platforms and exhibitions in the park, not to mention the Camargue Museum and the local Rice Museum (Maison du Riz), all make for an informative day out. Bertrand Mazel, President of both the Union of European Rice Farmers and the Union of French Rice Farmers says that France produces 3% of rice in Europe, and that Europe produces 0.3% of rice in the world. Rice, which is one of the most consumed foods in the world, appeared quite late in France. Especially around late summer and fall, the floral scent of saffron, garlic and roast chicken fills the air around the square and in many of the city’s alleys. I recommend our Bayonne ham and Camargue rice makis to sate the wanderlust and tide you over until the next trip. There are around 60 varieties of rice. They are very good seasoned with butter or olive oil.”. The red Camargue rice came about through a natural mutation and is now world famous; in 2000 this high-quality organic product was granted protected geographical indication (PGI) status. Canals and drains are repaired. It was after World War II that agricultural experts working under the direction of the Marshall Plan helped rice cultivation to become an industry in France. Nowadays, there are three varieties of rice to choose from: white, black and red. Get news, views and information from France, Subscribe now to read unlimited articles and exclusive content. In August 1593, Henry IV, on the advice of his chief minister, Duke of Sully, ordered the production of rice in the Camargue.Until 1930, it was mainly used to create agricultural land for other crops such as vines, because it prevented the region reverting to unproductive salt marshes. The first cultivation of rice in the Camargue dates back to around 1600. There are long, extra-long, medium, round, perfumed, coloured (red or black), risotto and sushi. Grown in the eponymous region of Southeastern France, it features beautiful red russet color, wonderful nutty flavor and ethereal creamy cooked texture. Pretty alleyways invite you to browse in the independent stores, aromas of patisserie, lavender and sunshine waft on the air, there’s always music playing somewhere. © English Language Media 2020, All rights reserved. The area is best known for its red and black rice which are both sold wholegrain; the most nutritious as the vitamins, minerals and amino acids are conserved. They adapt to changing fashions: “A few years ago it was long rice. “The strict regulations and numerous taxes mean our costs are high. Description. Mussels are silently opening in juicy yellow rice with accents of bright red shrimp. She is passionate about her job, even though she says rice is a cereal that needs daily attention and likens it to looking after animals: “It is an aquatic plant and will die if it is not in water, so we check the irrigation system every day. The beating heart of Arles is the centrally located Place du Forum, not far from the city’s famous ampitheater. Camargue rice is renowned in cooking for its nutty flavour; it is aromatic and tasty. For the biscuits mix the rice flour, egg white, olive oil, water, salt, ground coriander and grilled sesame seeds. The famous paddy fields stretch as far as the horizon. They produce black, red, naturally perfumed, sushi, risotto and long white rice. I love it. October is harvest time for rice in the Camargue, where 200 rice farmers produce 80,000 tonnes a year from 15,000 hectares of land in the only rice region of France. Take a look at our tips and instructions for preparing Camargue rice! “One of my favourites is red rice which is very good for your health and it can lower cholesterol levels.”. However during the war years, rice became an important food source and production increased. Top quality rice has been thriving in the area since the 19th century. On average each person in the world consumes 54 kilos a year. You can find Camargue rice in well-stocked grocery stores, especially organic stores and health food stores, or alternatively it can be ordered online. Leave to rest for 15 minutes, then spread the mixture in a thin layer on greaseproof paper and cook in the oven at 180°C for 7 to 8 minutes until they begin to colour. He says it is also important for maintaining the eco-system of the Camargue: “It is the largest wetland zone in Europe and that is because of the water used to grow rice. The high-quality Camargue rice that we appreciate and enjoy today has been around since the end of the Second World War. Cook, stirring, until onion looks translucent. The Rice. Anyone planning a visit to the Camargue should leave room (and weight) in their suitcase for a couple of packets of this superfood. However, she says the industry is getting more competitive: “There is a great deal of competition from Asia and Spain and Italy who can sell at lower prices. Seeding takes place in mid-April. The rice is significantly cheaper and there is a whole range available to buy. Its predominantly sunny days and stable temperatures combine perfectly with the mistral winds that constantly blow through the delta between the river and the sea here. Immediately opposite, the elegant and stylish Grand Hotel Pinus has always been the center of the city’s social life. A few days before, the farmers flood the fields with water from the Rhône, which is then warmed by the sun to the 15-17 degrees needed for the seeds to germinate. Now sushi is very popular. But the other varieties also boast superfood credentials, with lots of vital nutrients, such as minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamin B1. The family sell their rice directly to supermarkets. European quality mark awarded officially since June 6, 2000, the Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) helps to protect the name "Rice of Camargue" in the entire European Union. For the sauce mix the juice from the lemon, balsamic vinegar, salt, ground coriander and add progressively to the olive oil, whilst beating. The Camargue has an eponymous horse breed, the famous white Camarguais. Travel France from your kitchen: Tarte Tatin recipe, Travel France from your kitchen: Choucroute garnie recipe, Travel France from your kitchen: Fiadone cheesecake recipe, Cross-country skiing allowed in France from November 28, New-builds in France from 2021 must feature walk-in showers. “Competition is therefore rife and often there is zero traceability, so you cannot be sure what processes the rice on your dish has gone through.”. The paddy fields are drained to allow harvesters, equipped with caterpillar tracks to collect the rice, and transport it to nearby silos. Marine Rozière, from the Maison du Riz (www.maisonduriz.com) in Albaron, Bouches-du-Rhône comes from the sixth generation to cultivate rice on her farm where she works with her parents and brother. It has all the requirements for this crop – abundant water from the Rhône delta, sun, and the mistral wind, which dries the rice naturally after harvest. All of these can be grown in the Camargue, except Basmati, which requires a tropical climate. This place was the favourite summer residence of high society. We were unable to confirm your registration. After the Second World War, money from the Marshall Plan aimed at revitalising Europe, was invested in the area, which allowed irrigation and drainage ditches to be created, land to be levelled, and pumping stations, rice transformation centres and silos to be built. In pans everywhere, lunchtime Paella camarguaise is simmering away in the open air. The fifteen years that followed saw the development of one of Europe’s most significant rice-growing areas.