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El Molí de Pals is a historic place where rice is still grown and produced. The visit can be done by taking the little train that transports you through the cultivated fields while they tell you the story, as seen in this report in La Vanguardia’s Readers’ Photos.
The train makes a stop at the Molí de Pals, where the history of the building is known, from which texts related to rice from the year 1452 have been found.
Thus, once we arrive at the mill, they show us the old machinery and explain to us how the rice that is sold is obtained.
The process currently follows the same steps as always, but with the incorporation of the newest machinery they have in the facilities. The visit ends with a tasting of products made with rice, such as craft beer.
Rice cultivation has been linked to the daily reality of the area since the 15th century. However, during the 18th century its planting was limited due to the appearance of diseases and epidemics such as malaria.
The population believed that they were caused by the stagnant waters in which rice grows. That is why, in 1838, a Royal Order was issued to prohibit the cultivation of rice.
Luckily, at the beginning of the 20th century, rice was cultivated regularly again thanks to new techniques based on the circulation and constant renewal of water to prevent putrefaction.
