Bomba rice facts for kids
Bomba rice (called arroz bomba in Spanish) is a special kind of short-grain rice. It is mostly grown in the eastern parts of Spain. This rice is very popular in dishes like paella and other foods from the Valencian Community. Sometimes, people even call it Valencia rice. Its grains are short and round because of a natural substance called amylopectin inside.
What Makes Bomba Rice Special?
Bomba rice is thought to have come from a type of rice grown in India. It traveled to Spain a long time ago, possibly through the Middle East. This rice is famous because it doesn't stick together easily when cooked. This is due to another natural substance called amylose.
The grains of Bomba rice are short, pearly white, and all look the same. One amazing thing about Bomba rice is how much water it can soak up. It can absorb two or even three times its own size in water without breaking apart! This means you need more water to cook Bomba rice than other types. But because of this, the rice grains stay firm and separate even after cooking.
Where Does Bomba Rice Grow?
Bomba rice is one of the most expensive types of rice from Spain. Especially prized are the varieties that have a special quality label called Denominación de Origen (D.O.). This label means the rice comes from a specific place and meets high quality standards.
Some of the most famous places for D.O. Bomba rice are Calasparra and Moratalla. Other well-known areas where Bomba rice is grown include Silla, Pego, and Pals. The rice from Pals is even known as Pals Rice.
