Kurume-based food maker CTC-Lanka and agricultural cooperative e-FARM Kurume have teamed up to create canned rice emergency rations. Dubbed Rescue Rice, the rice is prepared by just adding hot water; it has a shelf life of five years. CTC-Lanka came up with the idea after the Great East Japan Earthquake. They donated rice to Miyagi Prefecture but were asked to send food that didn’t require cooking. Most conventional types of canned rice contain desiccants, but Rescue Rice uses liquid nitrogen and CO2 to prevent oxidation. Each can makes two bowls of rice. The team is also working to develop canned rice containing added vitamins and fiber as part of a government-sponsored agriculture, commerce and industry collaboration project. Nishinippon Shimbun 11/12
