Qaraqılçıq
Dumsuyya rice (also known as garagilchig) is a black long-grain variety grown in Azerbaijan, in particular in Lankaran and in some locations in the Masalii and Astara regions, which are found in the southern part of the country.
It is sown during the months of March and April and it is harvested at the beginning of August. Historically, this rice was cultivated by the Talysh ethnic minority and still plays an important role in the local gastronomic tradition.
It is a highly endangered variety. In 1965 the Soviet Union decided to stop cultivating rice and to replace it with the cultivation of vegetables, causing the progressive loss of this variety and the destruction of the tradition of rice cultivation. Because of this, the Rice Research Institute also suspended its activities.
Recently, the Dumsuyya variety was recovered by the Razi Rice Cooperative, an association located in the Lankaran district, who work to protect native rice varieties. The Razi Rice Cooperative received the seeds from the University of the city of Rasht in Iran and grows them in its own nursery using sustainable cultivation methods. Dumsuyya has a very low productivity but thanks to its excellent cooking properties and how well it keeps its consistency once cooked, it is one of the preferred varieties of cooks when preparing pilaf.
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