Calasparra rice is named after the Spanish town in which it is cultivated. It is a super absorbent short-grain rice, traditionally used by the Spanish for their paella, dating back to the 14^th century. Calasparra is situated in a mountainous region in the province of Murcia and benefits from being crossed by four rivers, including the Segura. This combination of high-quality water and altitude above sea level creates this premium rice, which was the first in the world to obtain Denomination of Origin status, in 1986. The cooperative "Virgen de la Esperanza" includes 160 producers and has been responsible for 95% of the rice cultivated in Calasparra since 1962.