Al-AHSA — Hassawi Rice, or rice produced in the Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, is one of our natural remedies. This red rice, known for its high nutritional content, has the distinction of being produced in the driest rice-bearing area in the world. The rare Hassawi red rice is a hidden gem which is believed to be beneficial in alleviating the pain of those suffering from arthritis and broken bones. Chanting prayer songs in unison and their feet submerged under water, farmers in the Al-Ahsa oasis say they have been planting red Hassawi rice, among the world's most expensive, since generations, a Reuters report said. The Al-Ahsa region was listed in 2018 as a UNESCO world heritage site and the Guinness Worlds Record describes it as the largest in the world. The oasis has over 2 million palm trees, and has dozens of artesian springs, enabling farmers to cultivate plants in an area surrounded by desert. "Al-Ahsa is famous for its palm trees. What most people don't know is that we plant Hassawi rice in this area," said farmer Abdulhadi Al-Salman. Farmers say Hassawi rice fetches a very high price, SR25-30 Saudi($6-8) per kg, because of its high nutritional value and health benefits for people that eat it regularly. But for the farmers, it's not just about the money. They describe their trade as one that has been passed down to them from their grandfathers, and which they will work to protect for their children as well. "This is gold, this is wealth, these are our children that we raise over four months. We protect it and later pass it on to future generations," said Al-Salman.
