There is evidence of rice cultivation as far back as 5,000BC (China)

Introduced to Greece by Arab travelers and to India by Alexander the Great in 326BC; brought to Spain by the Moors in 700AD -the Spanish brought it to South America at beginning of 17th century.

Staple for almost half the world's population, mostly in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Southeast Asia
Next to wheat it is the largest food crop in the world

7,000+ varieties exist , are either grown aquatically ("paddy-grown") or "hill- grown" (most is paddy grown)

Eaten as whole grain or used as basis for rice flour used in rice noodles, rice paper; also rice vinegar, rice wine