Karacadağ rice is a special type of rice that is produced intensively in the fertile lands between Urfa and Diyarbakır and stands out with its flavor and aroma. This unique product is also successfully grown in the villages of Derik district of Mardin.

Why is Karacadağ rice different?

The most important feature that distinguishes Karacadağ rice from its counterparts is its large-grained structure and cold water irrigation.

While rice farming is generally done in water above 15 degrees, Karacadağ rice is irrigated with water sources at low temperatures such as 8-10 degrees, thus its aromatic structure and flavor increase significantly.

A laborious but high-quality production process

Rice is a product that requires plenty of water and regular rainfall.

Since it is planted in rocky areas in the Karacadağ region, harvesting is traditionally done with a sickle.

However, in recent years, harvesting with a combine harvester has also become possible with the cleaning of some fields from stones.

Rice production starts with planting in a paddy field and comes to the table after the factory process.

What stages does rice go through in the factory?

It is planted as paddy and harvested.

After threshing, its husks are peeled off and it becomes what is called “cargo” (unpolished rice).

When it is processed and polished, it is truly called “rice”.

Tarık Temel, who produces paddy in a village in the Derik district of Mardin, close to the Karacadağ region, explained the process for Şoperêç.