Rice, the Feeder of Many, is one of the more useful additions in Explorercraft. This seemingly humdrum crop has a myriad of uses. Due to its multipurpose nature, it is very useful to know about for any builder's arsenal, or as a ready food source for the wandering explorer to use in a pinch.
Generation/Planting[]
Immersed in the cool puddles, Wild Rice naturally spawns within the Bamboo Grove. They rise from the water two blocks tall, and can be harvested by breaking the stalks that are above the water's surface.
To sate this thirsty crop, it must be planted directly on a block that has a water source block above it. The stalks sticking out of the water will grow in an appearance similar to wheat (for reference, the rightmost Rice Crop in the image is mature). When fully grown, they can be harvested by simply breaking the top block, rather than the roots.
Usage[]
When fully grown, Rice Crops drop both Rice and Rice Straw. Rice is used in crafting different kinds of foods, while Rice Straw is for making building materials.
While Rice can be eaten on its own, Rice is much more nutritious when used in making sushis and Bowl of Rice. Rice and Kelp makes Onigiri, Rice and Salmon makes Salmon Sushi, and Rice with Egg and Kelp makes Tamago Sushi. Bowl of Rice is simply a Bowl with six Rice. While the Bowl of Rice is a relatively hearty meal, the Sushi are merely appetizers, and require a lot more effort to make. When you face hunger in your adventures, be sure to use your food wisely.
Rice Straw is used primarily for making Tatami Mats and Rice Straw Bale. Rice Straw Bale has the same recipe as a regular Hay Bale, only replacing the Wheat with Rice Straw. Tatami Mats are used similarly to Carpet, but they are two blocks wide. Intricate patterns can be made using them, as their borders can make striking line-work. If you want to make them only one block wide, then simply put one Tatami Mat in your crafting table to break it into two Tatami Half-Mats.