New Jasmine Rice Variety Could be a Game Changer for the U.S. Rice Industry

ARS researchers have an exciting new product for America’s rice growers. Sallah is a mid-season conventional rice variety with commercially acceptable grain and milling yields, low chalkiness, and translucent, slender grains. Sallah is similar to Thai Jasmine in aroma with medium grain cooking quality, and has strong resistance to two major diseases in the United States that reduce rice crops: rice blast disease and sheath blight. 

Sallah could provide a boost for U.S. rice growers looking to tap into the Jasmine rice market. Demand for Jasmine and Basmati rice varieties has increased globally as well as domestically, and Jasmine rice typically commands a higher price point compared to conventional white rice varieties. Sallah has great potential for growing in many of the country’s top rice producing states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. 

Sallah has many benefits for both growers and consumers. In addition to its healthy yields and disease resistance, Sallah also has high ratoon yield potential. Ratoon is a cost-effective cultivation method where a second crop regenerates from the ratoon, or stubble, that is left in the field after the main rice harvest. Ratooning requires no new seeds and can reduce fertilizer and labor costs for farmers. 

For consumers, Sallah is appealing in appearance due to its translucence. It also holds firm and has good flavor. Sallah has a unique aroma, similar to popcorn without the butter. 

ARS is currently working with the U.S. rice industry to make Sallah commercially available to growers in 2027.