Dai County Rice

Dai County Rice

　　The banks of the Hutuo River in Dai County, stretching from E Kou Town in the east to Yangmingbao in the west, feature over 50,000 acres of tidal flats. This area enjoys a mild and moist climate, with a frost-free period of up to 170 days. The soil has an organic matter content of 1.269% and a pH value of 8.4. The river water is also rich in minerals. These conditions combine to create an ideal environment for growing rice. Dai County rice is known for its large, pearly white grains, high protein content, and strong adaptability. While the protein content of regular rice ranges from 6.5% to 9%, that of Dai County rice exceeds 10%, meeting export standards. Its levels of fat, starch, and other nutritional indicators are all top-quality.

　　The refined rice of Dai County is white in color and fragrant in taste, reminiscent of the fish and rice of the Jiangnan region. Even Chairman Mao, who passed through Dai County on his way from Yan'an to Xibaipo on April 6, 1948, remarked, "I never expected such fine rice could be produced on the Loess Plateau—I ate an extra bowl."