By Jessica Domel

Did you know the average American consumes approximately 24 pounds of rice each year?  Twenty-four pounds! That’s a lot of chicken and rice casserole, Spanish rice and the classic–plain white rice. So why do Americans eat so much rice?  Maybe it’s because it’s relatively cheap. It could also be that it’s low in calories, sodium and cholesterol free and provides over a dozen important vitamins and minerals. What’s not to love?

I’d like you to meet one of the men who contributes to the rice that Americans and the world joyfully consume each year. His name is Curt Mowery, and he grows long-grain rice near Rosharon, southwest of Houston.

Thank you, Curt, for sharing your story, and your crop, with us. We’ll think of you the next time we’re enjoying our favorite rice recipes like Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice, Texas Jambalaya and Steak Betti.