Knowledge and preference of aromatic rice by consumers in East and South‐east Asia

Abstract

A survey on aromatic (scented) rice was conducted of 150 people in each capital in Indonesia, Philippines, Korea and Japan in order to ascertain if they are familiar with the rice and like the aroma. Many of the subjects in Jakarta and Manila know of aromatic rice, and they often eat it and even prefer it. However, people in Seoul and Tokyo do not know of the rice. One hundred and seventy‐five out of 246 persons (71%) in Kochi, Japan, know of the rice and over 60% of the subjects eat it. Most of the subjects who have eaten aromatic rice prefer the aroma. There is a great difference in the distribution of aromatic rice between East and South‐east Asia. Significant differences are also found between Jakarta and Manila in the distribution and preference of the rice.