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Why is rice so popular? - Carolyn Beans

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5,293 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Rice contributes over 20% of the calories consumed by humans each year. Korean bibimbap, Nigerian jollof, Indian biryani, Spanish paella, and countless other culinary masterpieces all begin with rice. So how did this humble grain end up in so many cuisines? Carolyn Beans investigates the global expansion of this beloved crop and the unintended consequences of its popularity.

What percentage of calories consumed by humans each year comes from rice?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Carolyn Beans
  • Director Na Na Na Studio
  • Narrator Christina Greer
  • Animator Léon Moh-Cah, Andi Concha
  • Music Cem Misirlioglu, Jesse Barnes

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