Well, I love rice like a lot of Indian people and I like to enjoy good quality rice. Being a bachelor and bread winner of the family, I often do the shopping for myself when I am away from the family and also send stuff back home. I have tried a lot of basmati rice. For me, the best ones are those that have a good smell and long grain. But over the years, I have learned that there’s more to a basmati rice than just those two factors.
Factors to consider while buying basmati rice:
I’ve noticed that each grain of rice, although they seem alike at first glance, actually varies in:
– Size and shape.
– Moisture levels.
– Overall appearance, like whiteness or chalkiness.
– Purity based on foreign materials.
– The taste and aroma once cooked.
I’ve realized these differences play a role in determining the price of the rice grains.
Types of Basmati rice:
Organic Basmati:
My experience with organic basmati has been eye-opening. I recently gave this a try:
- Lower fat content with high caloric value, making it an energy powerhouse.
- Rich in proteins and essential vitamins like niacin and thiamine.
- Its unique quality lies in retaining its original flavor and aroma.
Brown Basmati:
I’ve found brown basmati to be a top choice among health-conscious individuals:
- It is rich in fiber and other nutrients like iron.
- Aids in preventing diseases like heart disease.
- Fulfills hunger quickly, reducing overall calorie intake.
- Recommended over white rice for people with type 2 diabetes, as per the British Medical Journal.
White Sella:
I think sella rice is something that most of us have tried. White sella rice stands out due to its specific characteristics:
- It doesn’t clump together after cooking.
- Another great thing is that it doubles in size upon cooking and is aged to reduce moisture content.
Super Kernel:
My experience with super kernel basmati has also been a delightful one:
- I really loved the taste and aroma.
- High nutritional content, contributing to its royal status among rice varieties.
Steam Basmati:
Steam basmati has been a widely available and popular choice:
- This has a strong aroma and exceptional quality.
- Expands in size when steam-cooked and is often cultivated organically, rich in nutrients.
Pusa 1178:
I haven’t tried this variety. But it is claimed to be the better version of Pusa 1211.
11-21 Sella:
Well, I love this one because of the long grain and great quality.
- This is the longest basmati variety available currently.
- It has golden-white kernels and a good source of carbs.
- It has a distinct sweet aroma.
Personal Tips for Choosing the Right Basmati Rice:
1. Engage Your Senses:
Smell the Aroma: The best way that my mom has taught me to check the quality basmati is by checking its smell. It emits a fragrant scent even before cooking. If it lacks aroma, don’t buy it. They might be selling fake basmati rice. Aroma is a key indicator of top-notch basmati rice.
2. Visual Checks Matter:
Inspect the Color: As I said before, golden white is the best. For basmati with a light golden hue rather than purely white rice. Ensure it doesn’t have any gray tones, as that’s a sign of good quality.
3. Size and Length Matters:
Go for Length: Longer rice grains signify higher quality. Look for grains that are at least 3.5mm long. I know it is tough to check it that way but use your finger’s inner line as a benchmark and go for longer ones.
4. Consider Aging:
Aged is Better: This is what applies to rice. Contrary to expectation, aged basmati is superior. Similar to wine, aging enhances its quality, allowing it to stay separate when cooked. You might have seen Dawaat and India Gate claiming on their packaging about rice being aged for 2 years. This is why because aged rice is always better.
5. Check for Purity:
Purity Percentage: Aim for close to 100% purity with foreign matter not exceeding 6% of the total weight. This guarantees minimal impurities or foreign substances. You can check this on packaging labels.
6. Moisture Matters:
Low Moisture Content: Ensure moisture content is below 16%, complying with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s guidelines. Another thing that most people ignore. So check it prior on the labels before making any purchase
7. Health-Conscious Choices:
Opt for Healthier Options: Consider organic or brown basmati for a healthier choice. Organic basmati is cultivated without harmful pesticides, while brown rice is a nutrient-rich whole grain. This is only for those looking for healthier choices.
8. Quality Control:
Avoid Breakage: For superior quality, aim for basmati with no more than 10% broken or fragmented kernels, especially for export-quality rice. Broken rice don’t give a proper feel and can get clumpy after cooking. So don’t choose them.
My favorite basmati rice from different brands:
## Fortune Biryani Rice: I’ve found that this rice pack gives top-notch extra-long grain basmati rice, perfect for making delicious biryani, pulaos, and other dishes. What’s great is that the rice elongates to more than twice its size and becomes incredibly flavorful once cooked.
## Daawat Rozana Basmati Rice: I’ve found this basmati rice absolutely great for regular cooking. It contains a mix of full grains and up to half-broken grains, perfect for preparing recipes such as pulao, khichdi, chawal ki kheer, and more. They are reasonably priced too.
## Kohinoor Super Value Basmati Rice: I am currently using the same rice and God, I love its quality and taste after cooking. It has a good smell and cooks seamlessly. Every grain is perfectly separated and they are good enough in size to feed guests. Making biryanis and pulao is a treat using this rice.
## India Gate Super Basmati Rice: Well, this is a very well-known brand and this specific Super Basmati Rice is I think their best in every aspect. It cooks well, has long grain and is perfect for guests as well as regular use.
Final thoughts:
I hope this guide helps you in purchasing the right basmati rice for your family. In the brands and rice I have listed, you can find more options which are cheaper as well.
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This is some great piece of information. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and review of different types of Basmati Rice. The Indian market offers several brands and types of Basmati rice that it gets very confusing to choose the right one. My mother loves Dawat Rozana Basmati Rice, and it has been a staple at our place for the last 4-5 years now. It is one of the economical options that doesn’t dig a hole in your pocket. It is a good choice of Basmati rice for routine use. For people who use Basmati only occasionally, other expensive counterparts might also work.
Yes, Dawat Rozana is something we use too. I also like their Mogra rice which comes in purple packet. It is also economical and good for daily use. You can try it too. The taste and texture of Mogra rice is better than Dawat Rozana rice.