'Loto' Upland Rice

Oryza sativa Origin: Emilia-Romagna, Italy Improvement status: Cultivar Seeds per packet: ~70 Germination tested 11/2022: 63% Life cycle: Annual Days to maturity: 80 days to flower, 110 days to ripe seed (Vermont) 'Loto' is a short-grained, "arborio"-type rice perfect for risotto. From the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, it has been known to thrive under dryland conditions as far north in the United States as Vermont. Loto grows to roughly three feet tall and is highly resistant to lodging (falling over). The flavor is excellent, and the seeds are relatively easy to de-hull. This variety was identified as winner and brought to our attention by Sylvia Davatz, seed grower and long-time manager of the Solstice Seed Catalogue, based out of Vermont. Over the years she had trialed many different upland rice varieties and found this one to be the most impressive. In 2018, Sylvia and EFN co-founder Dusty Hinz collaborated on a 'Loto' variety trial project, which focused on enlist