Description
The Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI is a dried white rice of the Oryza sativa L.species, sub species Japonica, a second generation of the Ariete variety.
Production Area
Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI is grown in all the freguesias (hamlets) in the municipal areas of Salvaterra de Magos, Benavente and Coruche in the district of Santarém, in the subregion of Lezéria do Tejo, in the Alentejo region. In all the municipal areas of Vila Franca de Xira, in the Lisbon district, in the sub-region of Greater Lisbon, in the region of Lisbon and the municipal areas of Azambuja, in the district of Lisbon.
Production Method
the whole cycle from planting to harvesting and packing this rice is carried out in the same area. Harvesting is carried out mechanically at pre-established times depending on the humidity. The rice is then transported and stored. This is followed by the drying, husking, whitening and polishing processes and lastly the rice is packed.
Appearance and Flavour
Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI is semi-transparent and crystalline and is 6.4 mm long. It takes between 9 and 10.5 minutes to cook. Once cooked and before other ingredients are added it has a very particular fragrance, a sweet, velvety and delicate taste. When seasoned with other ingredients it leaves a delicate and creamy taste on the palate.
History
The quality of Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI rice is owed to the geographical area where it is grown, in the estuary of the river Tago: specifically the quality of the water, the hours of sunlight and the temperate climate. This area is virtually flat and less than 100 m above sea level and the brown, clay and lime soil is almost entirely colluvial and alluvial with a pH factor of between 5.5 and 6.5. This, together with the brackish water (from the sea) means that no other cultivation than rice is possible here. The cultivation of rice in this region is very sustainable because it helps maintain the eco-system, the flora and fauna associated with the cultivation of rice itself, it prevents other agricultural problems such as the salination of the soil. On the other hand, the cultivation of rice which has been carried out here for over two hundred years has become highly refined and skilled and altogether very special. It is only in these conditions that the rice grown has a low level of starch content and this means it has a higher capacity to absorb water in the cooking process as well as the flavour of other ingredients. It also has a minimum yield of 70%.
Gastronomy
Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. When cooked it has a pasty and slightly sticky consistency and its capacity to absorb the aroma and flavour of other ingredients makes it ideal for risotto. Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI is used for many local, traditional rice-based dishes. It is also used for baby food. It can be eaten with duck, sea food, pulses and vegetables.
Marketing
This rice is sold as Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI. It is sold in packs of 250 gr, 500 gr, 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg.
Distinctive Features
This variety of rice has become naturally adapted to the geography and climate of the area, to the type of soil, to the water used for irrigation and the temperate climate. These are all factors which make the Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas PGI rice a unique speciality, with its flavour, aroma and its capacity to absorb water during cooking.
