Basmati rice

Basmati Rice

Place of origin	Indian subcontinent
Main ingredients	Rice
Cookbook: Basmati Rice   Media: Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a variety of long, slender-grained aromatic rice which is traditionally from the Indian subcontinent. As of 2018, India accounted for 65% of the international trade in basmati rice, while Pakistan accounted for the remaining 35%. Basmati rice is known for its distinctive aroma and flavour, which is attributed to the presence of a chemical compound known as 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.

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History

Basmati rice has been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent for centuries. The earliest mention of basmati rice is found in texts dating back to the 19th century. The name "basmati" comes from the Sanskrit word basmati, meaning "fragrant". Basmati rice is believed to have been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years.

Cultivation

Basmati rice is grown in the specific geographical area of the Indian subcontinent, including parts of Pakistan and India. The major states in India producing basmati rice include Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The rice is known for its ability to absorb water and expand in length when cooked. The cultivation of basmati rice is highly dependent on specific climatic conditions, and hence, its production is limited to certain regions.

Varieties

There are several varieties of basmati rice, including 'Traditional Basmati', 'Pusa Basmati', '1121 Basmati', and '1509 Basmati'. Each variety has its unique aroma, flavour, and cooking characteristics.

Cooking

Basmati rice is typically soaked for 30 minutes to reduce the cooking time and enhance its flavour. It is then cooked using methods such as steaming or boiling. Basmati rice can be used in a variety of dishes, including biryani, pilaf, and as a side dish to accompany curries.

Nutritional Value

Basmati rice is a good source of carbohydrates and provides protein, dietary fiber, and very little fat. It also contains vitamins such as niacin and thiamine.

Cultural Significance

Basmati rice holds a significant cultural importance in many South Asian cuisines, especially in Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisines. It is often used in special occasions and festivals.

Geographical Indication

In 2016, Basmati rice was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) status in several countries of the Indian subcontinent, which protects the name and quality of this specific rice variety.

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