How To Choose Best Basmati Rice?

Posted by Somnath Verma on November 26th, 2020

Basmati rice is long-grained rice, which is well known for its mesmerizing aroma. It is grown in specified areas under specific climatic conditions. According to remnants of history, the Basmati rice originated from the northern parts of India. Although there are hundreds of rice varieties in India, only 29 of them have been notified by the APEDA. Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jammu, and Kashmir are some of the largest exporters of basmati rice in India.

Besides fluffy texture and longer length, Basmati rice is also good for health. It is rich in vital vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B1, vitamin B6, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, zinc, etc. Not just that, it is cholesterol-free, which lowers the risk of heart disease. It is good food for those who are dieting and trying to lose weight because it contains fewer carbs than other types of rice.

The full length of Basmati rice is 8.4mm: much greater than the conventional rice. It enhances the taste of any cuisine and is widely used in parties and celebrations. But many people don't know how to judge the quality of Basmati rice. If you are also one of them, then the tips given below will surely help you to choose the best quality Basmati rice.

  • Look At The Color

The first thing you should do when shopping for high-quality rice is to note its color. Listen to the color carefully. The Basmati is not pure white in color; they are quite golden-white kernels. Therefore, avoid purchasing pearly white rice (they can be mixed with harmful bleaches).

  • Pay Attention To The Fragrance

The next step is to smell the aroma of Basmati rice. This rice is full of flowery fragrance, which you can feel even before cooking it. If you do not feel a pleasant aroma when you smell rice, do not buy it.

  • Look For Longer Length

The longer the grain length, the tastier the Basmati. So, always check the length of Basmati rice before putting it into your shopping cart. Although the length of Basmati rice lies between 6.61 mm to 8.4 mm, it is recommended not to buy Basmati rice whose length is less than 7mm. India is the largest exporter of the longest Basmati rice globally; if Indian Basmati rice is available to you, you should go with them.

  • Check The Texture

You can also judge the quality of Basmati rice through its texture. Good Basmati rice is never broken by hand pressing. Take a Basmati grain in hand and press it slightly; if it doesn't destroy, it surely is the premium quality Basmati rice.

  • Choose Lice Free Rice

Be sure to check whether rice does not have lice. Rice that contains fleas is old and dirty, which can have a bad effect on your health. Therefore, avoid buying such basmati rice.

  • Check The Quality Of Rice By Biting

Another way to choose quality Basmati rice is to taste it. Like cooked basmati, raw basmati is also good in taste. Besides, it is not fragile on biting and remains quite rigid. 

  • Check For The Impurities

Some manufacturers mix inferior quality rice with Basmati to increase their profits. Be aware of such scams and check the purity percentage of rice. According to the experts, the impurity percentage should not be more than 6%.

  • Investigate The Moisture Content

During harvesting, Basmati rice contains a lot of moisture. Therefore, it is well dried before being put up for sale. But some goofy rice millers use improper drying techniques, which leaves moisture in the rice. It's important to note that high-quality Basmati rice does not have more than 16% moisture content.

 Read More: Which Country Produces The Best Basmati Rice?

The Bottom Line :

Basmati rice has a unique flavor and aroma. It is incredibly healthy and is an important part of a balanced nutritional diet. You can consider the above tips to pick the best quality Basmati.

Like it? Share it!


Somnath Verma

About the Author

Somnath Verma
Joined: November 26th, 2020
Articles Posted: 1