Domsiah facts for kids

Domsiah (Persian: دم سیاه) is a special type of rice from Iran. Its name means "black end" in Persian. This is because each grain has a small black spot on one end.

Domsiah rice is a long-grain rice. It is mostly grown in the Gilan area of Iran. This rice is similar to basmati rice, which is also well-known for its quality.

Why Domsiah Rice is Special

People really like Domsiah rice for its amazing smell. Its aroma is stronger than many other basmati-type rices. When cooked, it becomes very light and fluffy. It's also flaky and tastes great, making it a perfect base for many meals.

Growing Domsiah Rice

Scientists are trying to create new types of rice. These new types would grow much more rice per field. Farmers could get 5 to 7 tons of rice from one hectare. However, Domsiah rice only yields about 2 to 2.5 tons per hectare.

Even with lower yields, farmers in Iran prefer growing Domsiah. This is because people value quality over quantity in the Iranian market. Farmers can earn more money by selling high-quality Domsiah rice.

Scientists have not yet found new rice types that are as good as Domsiah. They are trying to create varieties that resist diseases and insects. But these new types often lose the special aroma of Domsiah.

Other Aromatic Rices in Iran

Besides Domsiah, there are other popular aromatic rice types in Iran. These include Tarom Hashemi, Binam, Hasani, Salari, Ambarboo, Sang Tarom, and Hasan Sarai. More than 80% of the rice fields in Iran grow these special varieties.

These types of rice share some common features:

• They grow very tall, usually between 125 and 135 centimeters.
• Their stems are not very strong.
• Their leaves tend to droop downwards.
• The grains are long and slender.
• About 60-63% of the grain remains whole after milling.
• They have a medium amount of amylose. Amylose is a substance that affects how rice cooks and tastes.
• They are known for their good aroma and how much they lengthen when cooked.

Challenges for Domsiah Rice

Domsiah and other local rice varieties face some problems. Because they are tall and have weak stems, they can easily fall over. This is called "lodging." They are also easily affected by certain diseases. These include blast, which is caused by fungi, and stem borer, which are insects that damage the plant.

See also

In Spanish: Domsiah para niños