Calrose rice wins competition

A signature variety of California rice has been named the "world's best rice" at a conference in Malaysia.

Calrose, a medium-grain rice developed in California, earned the honor at the 7th annual World Rice Conference last month. About 25 rice varieties from around the world were judged in the competition.

To earn the award, Calrose had to beat out the defending rice-quality champion, Cambodia/Thai fragrant jasmine rice, which had won or shared the award the previous three years. Calrose shared the title with Cambodia fragrant in 2013.

Jeremy Zwinger, CEO of the Rice Trader, who announced the award for Calrose last week, called it "a great honor" for the California rice business.

"This win is the result of over 100 years of variety development by the California Rice Experiment Station, coupled with top-notch farming practices and an excellent warehousing-milling system," he said.