Basmati vs Jasmine Rice: What’s the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Basmati vs Jasmine Rice: What’s the Difference? ›

Jasmine rice and basmati rice are both types of long grain white rice. Jasmine rice and basmati rice both make a delicious side dish, thanks to the aromatic qualities of the rice. Basmati is chewy and firm, while jasmine is fluffy and moist. The rice you choose depends on the texture you want to achieve in your dish.

Both basmati and jasmine rice are long-grain varieties of rice that require a rinse before being cooked. Their grains also remain distinct, although jasmine is a bit plumper and softer than basmati, which has a drier chew to the rice.

“Basmati rice has a nutty flavor with a floral aroma. The smell of basmati rice is lighter and less noticeable.” However, they can be used interchangeably: Despite these differences, jasmine and basmati rice can often be used interchangeably.

Basmati Is A Taste Sensation

Unlike ordinary long-grain rice, the light, fluffy texture of Basmati's long, slender grains offers the palate a totally different experience in terms of mouth-feel and taste—distinctive, unique, and slightly “nu*tty.”

For example, whole grains are better for our health when compared to simple carbs – which is why brown rice or black rice are regarded as the healthiest options. You should certainly be looking into eating whole grain rice.

The grains stay separate, providing a pleasing toothsome bite. Basmati is also the preferred rice to serve with Indian curries.

Basmati Rice

This is a long grain variety of rice commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern and Persian cooking. Basmati rice is commonly available at most grocery stores and is available in both white and brown varieties. Basmati rice needs to be soaked for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Basmati Rice

Often called the “King of Rice”, Basmati is an extra long grain rice famous for its distinct nutlike flavour, delicate texture, and standout aroma.

Easy to Digest: Basmati rice is considered Sattvic, which promotes balance and harmony in the body and mind. It is light and easy to digest, making it ideal for all body types, including those with sensitive digestive systems.

Rinse basmati rice very well before cooking.

Wash a few times (4 to 5) until the water runs clear. This will help remove starch from the surface of the grains. Starch is what makes cooked rice sticky and gummy, so for fluffy rice, it is important to remove the starch.

Which rice is a Superfood? ›

Brown rice

Unlike white rice, it still contains the bran layer and the germ, both of which pack a significant amount of nutrients. For example, brown rice bran contains the flavonoid antioxidants apigenin, quercetin, and luteolin. These compounds play an important role in disease prevention ( 1 ).

Look for rice from regions that have rice lower in arsenic. White basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan, and sushi rice from the U.S. may have less arsenic than other types of rice. Vary your grains, especially if rice is a big part of your diet.

Brown rice is the most recommended variety for those hoping to lose weight. Loaded with dietary fibre, brown rice boosts metabolism and has 111 calories for every 100 grams.

Jasmine also expands when cooked, but not as long as basmati, and it holds onto more moisture meaning it tends to clump slightly together which makes it ideal for dishes like a Speedy Spanish Rice which requires a richer and creamier texture.

Basmati has a MUCH lower GI than Jasmine rice (58 compared to 109), meaning it digests slower and releases sugar into the bloodstream less rapidly. Focusing on foods with low GI is key to dropping unwanted pounds.

More expensive and therefore high-quality Jasmine rice is selected more carefully and generally contains larger, more uniform grains. In addition, more expensive Jasmine rice usually has a stronger and more pronounced Jasmine aroma and flavour compared to cheaper varieties.

Costs of agriculture-related inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and labour directly impact the production costs for farmers. Processing basmati rice requires special techniques to keep its delicious aroma and long grain. This requires advanced machinery and skilled workers, which increases the total price.