Contribution of Hassawi Rice to Food and Nutritional Security in Saudi Arabia

RiceRice (Oryza sativa L.) is an essential agricultural species that plays a vital role in fulfilling the nutritional needs of over 60% of the world’s populationPopulation. It is well-documented that the Al-Ahsa oasis in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Hassawi riceHassawi rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Hassawi), which has been cultivated there for hundreds of years. For the past seven decades, Hassawi riceHassawi rice has been fundamental in food and nutritional securityNutritional security in Al-Ahsa oasis and surrounding regions, as it was considered a stable food alongside datesDates. However, currently, there has been a reduction in Hassawi riceHassawi rice productionProduction, and it is mainly served during special occasions. Despite the fact that Hassawi riceHassawi rice has a lower content of total carbohydrates than other riceRice varieties, it contains higher levels of protein, dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, and antioxidantsAntioxidant than white basmati riceBasmati rice. For instance, 100 g of uncooked Hassawi riceHassawi rice provides an average of 25% of daily recommended dietary allowance of dietary fiber compared to only 4% from white Basmati riceBasmati rice. Its high nutritional valuesNutritional value and the nature of its carbohydrates make Hassawi riceHassawi rice the best option for people with diabetes and those who want to control their weightWeight rather than maintain their health. This chapter emphasizes the originality of Hassawi riceHassawi rice, its cultivationCultivation, productionProduction, significance in food and nutritional securityNutritional security, nutritional valueNutritional value, and health benefitsHealth benefit.