Do people eat freshly picked - harvested rice?

No, people generally don't eat rice fresh off the plant. Here's why:

* Unpalatable: Fresh rice grains are hard and uncooked. They have a tough, chewy texture and a raw, grassy flavor that is not enjoyable to eat.

* Difficult to digest: The starch in raw rice is not easily broken down by the human body, making it difficult to digest.

* Nutritional value: While rice is nutritious, it's best to eat it cooked. Cooking breaks down the starch, making it easier to digest and unlocking its nutritional benefits.

The Process of Rice Preparation:

1. Harvest: The rice is harvested, and the grains are separated from the stalks.

2. Drying: The grains are dried to remove excess moisture.

3. Milling: The rice is milled to remove the outer husk and bran layers, leaving the edible kernel.

4. Cooking: The rice is cooked by boiling or steaming, which softens the grains and makes them palatable.

So, while rice is a staple food, it needs to be properly prepared before it can be enjoyed.