Yuanli Rice is a Taiwanese rice grown in Yuanli Township, Miaoli — one variety being Tainung No. 9, a fragrant, springy rice bred starting in 1981 and officially named in 1993, nicknamed "sushi rice" in the market. Yuanli sits on the alluvial plain of the Daan River with fertile soil and clean irrigation water, making it Miaoli's leading coastal rice-growing area; the local Mountain Water Rice company began contract organic farming with growers in 1998, pioneering the duck-rice co-farming method.
One of the varieties grown in Yuanli, Tainung No. 9, began breeding in 1981 and was officially named in 1993; it is prized for its fragrant, springy texture and keeps well over time, commonly nicknamed "sushi rice" in the market, with Yuanli among its main growing townships. Yuanli's Mountain Water Rice company (Quan Shun Foods) was founded in 1979 and pioneered contract farming with local growers to produce organic rice starting in 1998, using the "duck-rice" co-farming method in which ducks control pests and weeds in the paddies.
What is Yuanli Rice
Yuanli Rice refers broadly to rice grown in Yuanli Township, Miaoli County. The main varieties are Taijeng No. 9 and Taizhong No. 192 — premium table rice known for plump, glossy, translucent grains with a springy, fragrant, and sweet eating quality. Yuanli sits on the alluvial plain of the Daan River, with mineral-rich soil, a large day-to-night temperature difference, and irrigation water drawn from the pristine Xueshan mountain range waterways. Combined with multi-generational paddy cultivation techniques passed down within the township, Yuanli Rice has earned a strong reputation for quality on the coastal side, with Yuanli farm families regularly placing in rice cooking competitions over the years.
Yuanli Township's "Mountain Water Rice" established an organic rice farm in 1996 and pioneered the "duck-rice farming" method: ducklings are released into the paddies to eat golden apple snails, harmful insects, and weeds, while their droppings serve as natural fertilizer — eliminating the need for pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is one of Taiwan's representative organic rice brands and is listed as a local specialty industry on the Miaoli County Culture and Tourism website. Yuanli is also known as the "home of rush weaving," with rice farming and rush weaving practiced side by side, making it the coastal township with the deepest cultural heritage. The nearby Yuanli Township Farmers' Association also supplies locally grown rice and processed products.
How to eat it like a local
Local knowledge
Verified facts (sponsor-filtered)
- Mountain Water Rice organic farm is a representative of Taiwan's duck-rice co-farming organic rice; it is listed on the Miaoli County Government tourism website.
- Yuanli Township is the primary rice-growing area in Miaoli County and is also called "the granary of Miaoli."
- The Yuanli Township Farmers' Association has worked for years to improve rice quality and promote local rice foods.
Tips for visiting
- Mountain Water Rice organic farm offers guided tours by reservation — a chance to learn about the duck-rice co-farming process, suitable for families with children.
- After purchasing new-season rice, store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature; once opened, refrigerate and use promptly.
- Yuanli also has the Rush Weaving Culture Museum — combining both into a half-day itinerary makes the trip more worthwhile.
Information compiled from the Miaoli County Government Tourism Bureau, township and district farmers' associations, and large-scale public reviews; sponsored listings have been excluded. Photos to be replaced with channel-exclusive footage after Dio's on-site shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main rice variety grown in Yuanli?
One variety grown is Tainung No. 9, which began breeding in 1981 and was officially named in 1993; it is nicknamed "sushi rice" for its fragrant, springy texture, with Yuanli among its main growing areas.
When did Mountain Water Rice start its duck-rice farming?
The company was founded in 1979 and began contract farming with local growers to produce organic rice in 1998, using ducks in the paddies to control pests and weeds.
Why is Yuanli well suited to rice farming?
Yuanli sits on the alluvial plain of the Daan River, with fertile soil, a wide day-night temperature range, and clean irrigation water.
What dishes does Yuanli rice work well in?
Tainung No. 9 grains hold together well without crumbling, making it good for plain rice as well as rice balls and nigiri sushi.
Sources
- 台稉九號 - 維基百科 — 台稉9號育種(1981年)、命名(1993年)年份、苑裡為主要栽培鄉鎮之一、俗稱壽司米
- 關於我們 | 山水米 — 山水米官方網站,公司沿革(1979年創立、1998年首創與農民契作生產有機米)