Fresh river waters are channeled through the rice fields near the town of Calasparra. The cooler summer climate along the Mundo and Segura River valleys in Murcia results in a slower ripening grain and an elevated starch content for this premium grade of Spanish rice. Granted DOP status in 1986, Calasparra is to this day the only such protected rice in the European community. Similar to Arborio, and traditionally used in paella, it needs 2½ times as much water as standard Spanish rice and holds up well to longer cooking times.
