Basmati Rice

Basmati is the ‘King of Rices’. It’s distinct aroma and flavour makes it the most valued, and the most expensive rice. Basmati rice is not grown in Australia, but is unique to India and Pakistan. The difference between white rice and semi-brown rice is in the extent of polishing or milling. Semi-brown basmati rice retains the health benefits of fibre in the aleurone layer, which in white rice is completely removed. Rice is a source of energy and basic nutrients which sustains two thirds of the world’s population.

• Basmati is a long, thin, fragrant rice. • ‘Bas’ in Hindi, means aroma, and ‘mati’ full of. Hence, Basmati translates as ‘full of aroma’ • It is a unique species originating from the sub Himalayan regions of India and Pakistan where it has been perfected over centuries. • Australia’s rice growing is focussed on the medium grain varieties and is not suitable for Basmati production. • Known in India as the ‘king’ of rice, it’s the finest quality aromatic rice variety in the world. • Basmati attracts the highest price of all rice varieties on international markets. • Rice is eaten by more people in the world than any other grain, sustaining 2/3 of the world’s population • Pure Food Essentials stocks both White Basmati and Semi-Brown Basmati. The difference is in the extent of milling.

Cooking with Basmati Rice

• The characteristic aromatic flavour of basmati rice comes from the compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Basmati rice contains about 12 times more than non-basmati rice varieties. • Basmati is served as an accompaniment to other dishes including Curries, Biryani, Pilaff, Pilau. • Each grain elongates with cooking to at least twice its original size. • It’s rich and distinct aroma makes it easy to identify

Health benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Basmati Rice

• Composed mostly of carbohydrates, no rice, whether brown or white offers a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. • The nutritional value of white rice is negligible. Composed mostly of carbohydrates, with virtually no fibre and little in the way of vitamins and minerals, it is really only a source of energy and basic nutrients. • Brown rice on the other hand, with the bran and germ and aleurone layers still intact, has the benefit of fibre and limited amounts of vitamins and minerals and antioxidants.