Rice was not always on the cards for Melisa Lim, Lilian Chen, and Chan Zi Xiang. In fact, the three founders of Langit Collective were colleagues at a non-profit, building water systems for the community in Long Semadoh, Sarawak, when they were astounded by the heirloom rice the village grew.
"We realised our knowledge of rice was limited to white, brown, and imported rice, since we came from urban areas," Lim recalls. "When we discovered the wide variety of rice in Long Semadoh, we were blown away as we never knew rice could taste so good." Much of this can be attributed to the origin of the rice. "The community has been using the same seeds since their ancestors began farming, which is at least three generations old," she explains.
The word heirloom refers to an indigenous crop that has been passed down through families or groups.
"Rice in Long Semadoh is grown once a year, which means the seeds are selected and replanted every 12 months-in a way, it goes through natural selection to be the best of every season." Long Semadoh's pristine location in the heart of nature also contributes to the high quality grains. "The area is surrounded by mountains and clean, spring water," Lim explains. "Rice is planted and harvested by hand, and buffalos are still used to fertilise the fields." These conditions combined-the seeds, the natural surroundings, and the care from farmers-all translate into the final outcome.
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Tatler Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How Working Out Transforms Your Skin
When we think about the benefits of exercise, glowing skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, getting that sweat going is not only great for your body but also an absolute game-changer for your skin
Mane Attraction
Dr Chang Chee Seong of Kaiteki Clinic shares his expert insights on hair loss, from the most common causes to cutting-edge solutions and what to expect on the journey of hair recovery
Body Manscaping
Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Jared Chuah, cofounder of Nateskin, and how this Malaysian brand is breaking taboos around men's grooming, particularly below the belt
Skin Superfoods
Glow from within with these six ingredients that are good for your complexion
Elevated Wellness
Discover Amani Biohacking Club: Malaysia's first biohacking society for optimal leadership and life balance
The Dior Warrior
Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and the strength of female Amazonian warriors, Maria Grazia Chiuri redefines empowered femininity as something both graceful and formidable for Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection
ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA
Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.
Innovating with Purpose
Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder of Qarbotech, talks about how carbon-based innovations are changing the face of farming and ensuring a greener, more productive future
Grounded Vision
Minister of housing and local government, Nga Kor Ming shares the personal experiences and guiding principles that have shaped him, revealing the thoughtful man behind politician
Raising Penang's Bar
Backdoor Bodega's Koh Yung Shen is elevating Penang's bar scene with Penang Cocktail Week