This means that there will be more imports of long-grain indica varieties, further increasing the EU deficit. European Union consumption patterns The increase in rice consumption and changing habits are part of a general dietary diversification trend in Europe. Changing food habits . Rice formerly had a staple food status, but only within producing regions, and was considered as a luxury dessert product elsewhere. It is now of interest for diversifying conventional diets.
Rice is a food in itself, of considerable interest for manufacturers seeking new food products.
The increased rice consumption in the North corresponds to lower potato and cooked vegetable consumption. Rice, as pasta, is thus a supplementary source of carbohydrates and a high energy food. Rice cooking methods can differ between regions and depend on the rice dish prepared. They are also currently changing with the increasing consumption of long-grain indica rices. For instance, bulky long-grain japonica varieties produced in Italy are used for preparing risotto.