Daily Rice

It's practically impossible for Americans to understand the cultural significance of rice in Asian countries.  For many of you, this will sound really strange.  Rice is just food, so what's the big deal?  You haven't been over here.  Asian culture revolves around rice.

Rice is the most plentiful item in the grocery stores.  And I'm talking about pounds of rice (bags), not a few ounces (box / packet).  Rice is about cultivation and most of the work is done by peasants, not heavy machinery. Much of the land is terraced.  Irrigation is essential. In Vietnam, and other SE Asian countries, there are wet and dry seasons.  Millions upon millions of people depend on rainfall and natural cycles for their daily nutrition.  Some big implications for climate change. 

Rice is a need, not a want for most Asians.  It's like a food group - base of the pyramid.  Vietnamese are horrified when I tell them that Americans only eat rice a couple of times per week.  Many Asians eat it three times per day (rice thrice).  You would be surprised at all the variations that are made from this one product.  No Asian eats rice with butter and salt, or mixed with seasoning.  Most of it is just plain, white rice - with chopsticks, of course!  I usually eat rice two times per day.  It's delicious, but I still prefer bread.  Thank God the French were in Vietnam previously and left them a few good recipes.