Brussels, 12/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 February, the European Commission announced that “Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong-Hai” rice produced in the Thung Kula Rong-Hai region (incorporating five provinces in north-eastern Thailand) would be granted a Protected Geographical Indication. This photosensitive paddy rice is obtained from the Khao Dawk Mali (KDML 105) and RD 15 varieties. It can be brown or white (wholly milled). The cooked rice has a pleasant smell, like pandanus leaf.
“Thung Kula Rong-Hai” is derived from the legendary “Kula merchants”. According to legend, taking advantage of the dry season, a group of native people called Kula who were merchants journeyed across this large plain to sell their wares. They travelled until they were exhausted, but were still unable to reach the other side. They then felt like crying (“Rong-Hai” in Thai), hence the name “Thung Kula Rong-Hai” (“plain of the crying Kula”).
This is the 14th non-EU product protected by the regulation on PGI and RDO (registered designation of origin) and follows on after Colombian coffee, Darjeeling Indian tea, “Phu Quoc” fish sauce from Vietnam and 10 Chinese teas. (LC/transl.fl)