Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas

Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas is a hulled, whitened and polished rice of the Aríete variety (2nd generation), Japonica subspecies, grown and processed exclusively within a defined zone of the Tagus estuary in Portugal. Its low amylose/amylopectin ratio and high water-absorption capacity are attributed to the alluvial soils, tidal water salinity, and climatic conditions specific to the Lezírias Ribatejanas.

About this designation

Registered as a PGI on 7 August 2006 under file number PGI-PT-0552 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013751), Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas designates the hulled caryopsis of the Aríete variety (2nd generation) of the Japonica subspecies of Oryza sativa L., duly dried, shelled, whitened and polished. The specification requires that the entire production cycle — from acquisition of 2nd generation seed through sowing, harvesting, drying, hulling, whitening, polishing and packaging — take place within the defined geographical area. That area comprises named parishes across the municipalities of Azambuja, Benavente, Salvaterra de Magos, Vila Franca de Xira and Coruche, all situated on the low-lying, practically flat alluvial plain of the Tagus estuary at less than 100 m above sea level. The soil consists of brown, clayey alluvial and colluvial lutum with a pH that may range from 4.5 to 8.7, and the region is subject to tidal influence. The specification records an amylose/amylopectin ratio of 33.5%/66.5% and a minimum industrial yield of 70%. Physical characteristics include a mean grain length of 6.4 mm, width of 2.5 mm, and moisture of 13%. Cooking time is recorded at 9 to 10.5 minutes, with water absorption of 219 to 235%. Mandatory labelling must include the designation Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas — Indicação Geográfica Protegida, a certification marking, the Community PGI logo, and the Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas logo.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 7 August 2006 under file number PGI-PT-0552, eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013751.
• The specification permits only the Aríete variety (2nd generation) of the Japonica subspecies; no other rice variety is eligible.
• The amylose/amylopectin ratio is fixed at 33.5%/66.5%, and the minimum industrial yield required is 70%.
• The entire production cycle, including packaging, must take place within the defined geographical area to maintain full traceability.

Tasting notes

Portuguese rice IGPs (Ribatejo and Coimbra), Carolino variety — short-medium grain, balanced absorption (between Italian Vialone and Spanish Bomba). Distinctively Portuguese-style rice for arroz dishes.

HoReCa use

Foundation of Portuguese arroz dishes such as arroz de marisco (seafood rice), arroz de pato (duck rice), and arroz doce.

Packaging

• vacuum-pack-1kg
• paper-bag-1kg
• professional-bulk-5kg