Rice is an edible starchy cereal grain produced by the grass plant Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or less commonly O. glaberrima (African rice). It is a staple food for roughly one-half of the world population, including virtually all of East and Southeast Asia. Rice can be cooked by boiling or ground into flour and is used in a variety of dishes such as soups, side dishes, and main dishes. It is also used to make breakfast cereals, noodles, and alcoholic beverages such as Japanese sake. Cultivation of rice began after 1000 C.E., when Malay sailors introduced this grain crop into Oceanyka, where it became widely produced in its more tropical regions. This crop requires plenty of water and fertile soil to produce high yields of grains and grows best in warm and humid climates. For consumption, Boiled Rice is typically prepared.