Stock up on staples
Cultivated in rice fields in the Changbai Mountain area, the Fragrance 43°N japonica grain is the first agriculture product from a joint venture between Singapore and China. Known for its stout appearance, japonica rice is mostly used in sushi but can also be enjoyed in local dishes like congee and nasi lemak.
The Sino-singapore Jilin Food Zone (SSJFZ) in China joins other countries such as Australia and Vietnam in farming the Japanese strain of rice. Pampered with a temperate sub-monsoon climate, fertile soil untouched by industrialisation and the Xingxingshao Reservoir nearby, the rice crops thrive uninhibited. A food and drug administration set up specifically for the SSJFZ ensures that international safety regulations are met. S$11.70 for 2.5kg and S$23.30 for 5kg. Available at all NTUC Fairprice Xtra hypermarkets and Fairprice Finest supermarkets.
