Rice, the heart of Malagasy life

In many Malagasy families rice is eaten three times a day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is not uncommon for a meal not to be considered complete if it does not include at least a little bit of Vary. Rice accompanies every dish: zebu meat, fish, vegetables, legumes, depending on the region and local availability.

But its importance goes beyond the table:

• In many communities, the rice cycle marks the time and marks the seasons. The planting and harvesting of Vary are central moments of collective life, and harvest festivals are among the most significant celebrations.

• In the Malagasy language, 'eat' is often expressed with the verb that literally means 'to eat rice', a sign of how deeply everyday life is intertwined with this cereal.

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For the Malagasy people, the Vary it is not a simple carbohydrate, but the basis of survival, tradition and cultural identity.

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