The assignment started in 1996, specifically, the Rice Research Station of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center was commissioned to develop a “long grain, aromatic rice breed”, worthy of competing with the best long grain rice being grown in Asia, namely the “Hom Mali” or commonly known as “jasmine” aromatic rice from Thailand.

The research team led by Dr. Steve Linscombe begun the arduous task of basic research, employing techniques through cross-breeding and pedigree selection from a cross made between the Arkansas variety 'Ahrent' and an unreleased Chinese aromatic rice line 96 a-8, which has the jasmine-type cooking quality. After 12 years of persistent research and dedicated efforts from the team of scientists, the variety known as JAZZMEN was discovered.

JAZZMEN has similar physicochemical properties and cooking qualities to Thai jasmine. In addition, JAZZMEN has extremely translucent rice grains, and most importantly, a fairly strong aroma. The cooked rice is soft, sweet and glossy, yet, it is rich in texture and appeals to the palate of even the most discerning connoisseurss. This variety is classified as NON-genetically modified organism (Non-GMO) as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

This specific variety is specially adopted to the growing climate of the State of Louisiana, in addition, the breed is basically immune to the majority of general diseases commonly exist in the rice growing environments. In a nutshell, the JAZZMEN breed is a healthier variety, yielding itself more resistance to diseases, and thus, LESS dependent on pesticide and fertilizers during the grow-in periods. Also, the adoption of sustainable and scientific agricultural practices have further strengthened the benefits of JAZZMEN rice as a crop.

The research did not cease after the discovery of the JAZZMEN, in fact, the research team, now lead by Dr. Xueyan Sha continues to improve the JAZZMEN variety.