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Basmati Rice

This fragrant rice from India has a distinct nutlike flavor.

Hailing from India, this fragrant rice has been grown in the foothills of the Himalayas for thousands of years (the name literally means “queen of fragrance”), and it is now grown in the United States. Aging the harvested rice decreases its moisture content and enhances the distinctive nutlike flavor and aroma.

Varieties

Basmati rice is available in white and brown (unprocessed) forms. White rice sets off food flavors more distinctly, while brown rice has a higher fiber content and takes longer to cook.

Buying and storing tips

Buy basmati rice in the packaged or bulk grain section at your grocery, or local health food or specialty store. When purchasing basmati rice from the bulk section of health food stores, look for intact kernels that aren’t broken, scratched, or damaged.

Store rice in a cool, dry area in a sealed glass or plastic container, away from the open air and moisture.

Cooked rice can be refrigerated for up to seven days, or stored in the freezer for six months.

Availability

Basmati rice is available year-round.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Rinse 1 cup of rice and drain well. In a heavy saucepan with a lid, combine rice with 2 cups (500mL) of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, covered, until tender (about 30 minutes for medium- to long-grain white rice, 40 minutes for brown rice, 20 minutes for arborio or short-grain rice, and 1 hour for wild rice).

Add chopped basil and diced tomatoes to cooked rice, or stir in cashews, golden raisins, and curry powder or paste during the last five minutes of cooking time.

To reheat cooked rice, for each 1 cup (200 grams) of rice, add 2 Tbsp (30mL) liquid. Cover and heat four to five minutes on top of range or in oven. In a microwave oven, cook on High about 1 1/2 minutes per cup (200g).

Nutritional Highlights

Basmati rice, 1 cup (200g) (cooked)
Calories: 205
Protein: 4.2g
Carbohydrate: 44.5g
Total Fat: 0.44g
Fiber: 0.63g
*Good source of: Iron (1.9mg), Selenium (11.8mcg), Thiamine (0.26mg), and Niacin (2.3mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for rice
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other rice. Read about health benefits and concerns for rice for a full description.