(Rice)
Oryza sativa, the plant species most commonly referred to as rice, is one of the most widely consumed cereal grains. Italy is the largest producer of rice in Europe, and Lombardy is Italy's rice bowl, especially the provinces of Lodi, Mantua, Milano, and Pavia.
Rice is grown from April to October, and among many varieties that can be found on the irrigated Lombardian paddies, the most common ones are Carnaroli, Arborio, Vialone Nano, Baldo, Balilla, Lotus, Gladius, Rome, Selenium, Volano, and Nembo.
Gastronomic offer in the area includes numerous rice-based dishes such as risotto alla Milanese or panissa, and all these different sorts can be bought directly from the farmers. Depending on the type, rice grains can be white or light yellow, shorter or longer, and each type has its own flavor, texture, and method of cooking, so substituting one type for another can completely alter the result of a recipe.
Carnaroli and Arborio are generally considered to be the best sorts for making the creamiest risottos, while Vialone Nano is delicious in rice puddings. There is a saying in Italy that rice is born in water, but dies in wine, and Lombardy offers a wide choice of both excellent rice and wines to pair it with.
