Kindly Note: KRBLRICE.COM and INDIAGATEFOODS.COM are the only official websites of KRBL Limited. Beware of other fraudulent websites claiming to be linked to us and offering bulk sale offers.

Need to Know Different Types of Basmati Rice in India

Basmati rice is one of the popular varieties of rice primarily grown in the specific geographical area in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian sub-continent. Basmati rice varieties have unique characteristics like fluffy and delicate texture when cooked, deliciously aromatic and distinct flavour.

Unlike standard rice, Basmati rice remains separated when cooked. They are valued highly among Indian cuisines due to their superior taste and quality. The Indian government agency, The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, promotes and exports agricultural products. All types of Basmati rice are one of the key products APEDA promotes and exports.

Basmati is without a doubt the King of all rices in the world since it is cultivated by rivers fed by snow. Its long, lean form and unparalleled smell and aroma are emblematic of the ancient civilisation that cultivates it. The texture of basmati is fine, smooth, and silky and it is non-glutinous.

How did Basmati Rice acquire its unique characteristics?

The distinct qualities of Basmati Rice contribute to its popularity, making them stand out from all other rice varieties. Its unique characteristics come from the Agro-climatic conditions of the specific geographical area, the different harvesting and ageing methods, and processing methods. Due to such unique qualities, the “scented pearl” puts a class to the rice dishes transforming the ordinary meal into a gourmet’s delight.

It’s mostly cultivated in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. All types of Basmati rice in India are consumed domestically and globally, accounting for 2/3rd of its global supply. However, due to its popularity of being premium quality rice and having a higher price than the non-basmati counterparts, Basmati rice undergoes various adulteration with the undeclared blending of other non-basmati varieties of rice.

Standards of Basmati Rice

In order to control such unauthorised blending, the Union health ministry announced that from 1st August 2023, The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) would enforce specific identity standards for Basmati Rice. They would be comprehensive regulatory standards for Basmati Rice. These amendment regulations are aimed at establishing fair practices in the trade of the best Basmati rice variety in India to protect consumer interest. These standards involve:

  • Basmati rice should possess a natural fragrance characteristic without artificial colouring, fragrances, or polishing agents. Its natural unique fragrance and flavour come from the presence of chemicals 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.
  • These standards should specify the average size of the Basmati grains and after cooking elongation ratio.
  • Basmati rice should specify maximum limits of moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective or damaged grains and non-basmati rice for incidental presence.

Varieties of Basmati Rice

There are numerous types of basmati rice including white, brown, sella, sharbati and pusa. Basmati rice is a delicacy due to its post-cooking extension of more than double its initial length, its scent, and its sweet flavour.

White Basmati Rice

Basmati isa variety of white rice. With a faint nutty scent, it has a stronger aroma than plain white rice. Additionally, the grains are longer than regular white rice. India Gate Basmati Rice Everyday offers a flavorful explosion to delight your taste buds and a lovely aroma that makes your everyday recipes irresistible.

Pusa Basmati 1121

This type of Basmati rice, sometimes referred to as Muchal Basmati, has a long point. These delicate rice grains have a slim shape, are soft to the taste, and are typically used to make Pilaf and Biryani. One of the most popular varieties of Basmati rice is this one.

Pusa Basmati 1

The extra-long rice grains and lovely aroma of Pusa Basmati – 1 are both characteristics. The kernel’s volume expands four times its initial size when it is fried. It is renowned for being simple to digest.

Sharbati Basmati Rice

Sharbati Basmati Rice is regarded as one of the basmati rice varietals. The Sharbati rice type is incredibly economical. It is a sort of long grain with a high nutritional structure that is simple to digest. Sharbati rice is distinguished by several distinctive qualities, including its flavour and aroma. Sharbati Basmati rice is renowned for its superb character, delicious flavour, and non-sticky texture.

India is known for being one of the leading exporters of Basmati Rice varieties. Basmati rice varieties are one of the most included categories in the global trade of aromatic rice. The new variety of Basmati rice aromatic varieties is developed through pure line selection of the oldest breeding method. Follow the standards of FSSAI while choosing the Basmati rice variety.