When the Moors invaded Spain from North Africa, they brought rice with them, which over the centuries became a staple in Spanish cuisine, epitomized by its use in paella. Naturally, when the Spaniards came to the New World, they brought with them their taste for rice. Mexico, in general, is neither the best nor the worst location to grow rice, so some is produced domestically but at present most rice consumed in Mexico comes from the United States.