Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice is one of the best-known varieties of rice all across the globe. Basmati is a type of long, slightly grained, aromatic grain of rice, which is grown in the Indian Subcontinent and certain parts of South Asia as well. India is the world’s leading producer and exporter of Basmati rice and according to 2014 statistics, India exported 65% of the total amount. Pakistan is second to India and makes up for the remaining 35% of the export in the world market. This data was released by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. Although India and Pakistan continue to be the largest exporters, some countries are known to grow Basmati rice locally as well.   The history of Basmati Rice   The name Basmati has been derived from its counterpart in Hindi, which translates into Fragrant. It is believed that Basmati Rice is being cultivated across the Indian sub-continent since centuries. In the history books, the earliest mention of Basmati Rice was found in 1766. Indian traders introduced Basmati Rice to the Middle East through cultural exchange and since then it has become an important part of cuisine in Arab, Persian and other cuisines as well. The exclusive producers of Basmati Rice in Asia are India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.   The specialty of Basmati Rice   It has been found in research studies that Basmati Rice has traces of the chemical compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and therefore the rice has a pandan like flavor and aroma to it. Compared to other varieties of rice, Basmati has 0.09 ppm or 12 times less of this chemical compound and therefore it has its unique spicy flavor and fragrance. The natural aroma found in Basmati is also found in cheese and certain cereals and fruits. The United States and the United Kingdom has approved this flavoring agent and therefore bakeries across both the countries use it to aromatize their products.   The varieties and types of Basmati Rice   While there are numerous varieties of Basmati Rice available in the market, there are but a few varieties that have been approved by the government and therefore it is widely sold. The types of Basmati that are traditionally grown in India are the Basmati 385, Basmati 370 and the R.S. Pura Basmati, which is of the Extra Long Grain Variety. Pakistan is the producer of Super Kernel Basmati Rice, PK 385 and D-98.   Researchers at IARI, Delhi, which is the leading organization for scientific research in the agricultural domain did a conventional plant breeding in order to produce a hybrid plant which was semi-dwarf and had all the good features of traditional basmati and also has twice the crop yield as compared to traditional varieties.   Conclusion   Basmati Rice is one of the most widely used ingredients of many cuisines across the globe. Its unique taste and aroma is the driving reason for its worldwide popularity and success. If cooked properly, the taste of Basmati Rice will not fail to satisfy your taste buds so wait no more and order your packet of Basmati today.   See more at: http://www.amira.net  

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