Rice can be eaten many different ways. People consume rice by itself, mixed into soups, baked into puddings, and served with meat, beans, or vegetables. However, people also use the rice plant for purposes besides nutrition. The dried stalks can be burned ns fuel, used as straw to help make thatched roofs, or made into products such as ropes, sandals, hats, bag, basket, and brooms. There are many uses for rice, no matter where in the world it is grown.