All You Need to Know About India’s Basmati: The Finest Rice in the World
Published on: January 24, 2024.
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Basmati Rice Named Best Rice in the World
Indian basmati rice has been declared the Best Rice in the World by TasteAtlas, a renowned culinary and travel reference. This prestigious honor adds to India’s recognition as the 11th Best Cuisine in the World. Basmati rice is a long-grain rice variety originally grown in India and Pakistan, known for its nutty, floral, and slightly spicy flavor. It is characterized by individual grains that do not stick together when cooked, allowing for better absorption of curry and other sauces. The longer the grain, the better the rice, and the finest basmati grains have a beautiful golden hue.
The Origins of Basmati Rice
Basmati rice holds a significant place in history, often mentioned in ancient books and manuscripts. The Indian ruler Shershah Suri, who reigned in the sixteenth century, referred to Basmati rice as the “king of grain,” praising its exquisite flavor. The Mughal rulers further elevated Basmati’s prominence, appreciating its exceptional quality. Even today, Basmati rice holds great importance in Indian families, particularly during weddings, festivals, and special occasions. It is a cherished tradition that brings ultimate taste and happiness to every Indian household during celebrations like Holi, Diwali, Eid, Pongal, Durga Puja, and Navratri.
A Wide Range of Basmati Rice Varieties
The Seeds Act of 1966 officially recognizes 34 types of Basmati rice grown in India. These include Basmati 217, Basmati 370, Type 3 (Dehraduni Basmati), Punjab Basmati 1 (Bauni Basmati), Pusa Basmati 1, Kasturi, Haryana Basmati 1, Mahi Sugandha, Taraori Basmati (HBC 19 / Karnal Local), Ranbir Basmati, Basmati 386, Improved Pusa Basmati 1 (Pusa 1460), Pusa Basmati 1121 (After amendment), Vallabh Basmati 22, Pusa Basmati 6 (Pusa 1401), Punjab Basmati 2, Basmati CSR 30 (After amendment), Malviya Basmati Dhan 10-9 (IET 21669), Vallabh Basmati 21 (IET 19493), Pusa Basmati 1509 (IET 21960), Basmati 564, Vallabh Basmati 23, Vallabh Basmati 24, Pusa Basmati 1609, Pant Basmati 1 (IET 21665), Pant Basmati 2 (IET 21953), Punjab Basmati 3, Pusa Basmati 1637, Pusa Basmati 1728, Pusa Basmati 1718, Punjab Basmati 4, Punjab Basmati 5, Haryana Basmati 2, and Pusa Basmati 1692.
India’s Leading Role in Rice Export
India dominates the global rice market with a 45 percent share as the world’s largest rice exporter. The major basmati-growing regions in the country include Delhi, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh. The top destinations for basmati rice exports are Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, United Kingdom, United States of America, Yemen Republic, Oman, and Canada.
In the current fiscal year, India has exported 73.18 lakh tonnes of non-basmati rice and 26.08 lakh tonnes of basmati rice from April to October. These export statistics were provided by Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda in response to a query in the Lok Sabha. The basmati brand encompasses varieties such as Pusa Basmati 1121, Golden Sella Basmati Rice, Sugandha Basmati Rice, and Sharbati Basmati Rice. Non-basmati rice varieties that India exports include broken rice, parboiled rice, Swarna rice, and Sona masuri variety.
Other Exceptional Rice Varieties
TasteAtlas highlights several other exceptional rice varieties from around the world:
- Arborio from Arborio, Italy: Arborio rice is used in dishes like risottos and rice puddings. Its small, spherical grains have a high starch content, resulting in creamy textures.
- Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas from Santarem District, Portugal: This Portuguese rice variety has a velvety soft texture, is fine and delicate, and excels at absorbing flavors and scents.
- Rice paper from Vietnam: Rice paper is a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, used to wrap appetizers. Steamed rice batter is sun-dried and then soaked in water to make the wrapper.
- Uruchimai from Japan: Japanese short-grain rice, known as uruchimai, is a staple in Japanese cooking. It has shorter, plumper grains with a higher starch content.
- Riz de Camargue from Bouches-Du-Rhone, France: Rice varieties from the French Camargue region include mixed rice, full and brown rice, white rice, non-stick rice, and pre-cooked rice. The region’s challenging environment yields rice with exceptional quality and a delicate flavor.
