‘Jasmine’ and ‘Basmati’ Rice
Rice is the staple food in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the West Indies. It is the most important grain that is produced for human consumption. It provides carbohydrates which are an essential source of energy.
It can be cooked by boiling or steaming, and it can also be made into a porridge which is a traditional food for those who are sick. It can even be made into noodles or rice flour which can be made into rice milk, sake, and other drinks.
Rice has many varieties with the largest collection at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. Two of the most widely used rice varieties are Jasmine and Basmati rice.
‘Jasmine Rice’
Jasmine rice is a rice variety that has long grains that taste good. It originally came from Thailand and is known as fragrant rice because of its distinctive flowery smell. It was cultivated in the highlands of Thailand for Thai royalty. Although it is sticky when cooked, it has lesser amylopectin content than other rice varieties so it is less sticky compared to most of them. It is being used especially in Asian cuisine that features dishes from China, Thailand, and Japan. It has a glycemic index of 109 and is suited for those who need fast energy recovery after extreme exercise and those that are experiencing very low blood glucose levels.
‘Basmati Rice’
Basmati rice is a rice variety that is native to India and Pakistan. Its grains are longer than most other rice varieties. When cooked, Basmati rice does not stick together but remains dry, fluffy, and free flowing. It is fragrant and has a delicate flavor. It is also known as ‘soft rice.’ It is cultivated in the Punjab region of India, and it comes in several varieties. The two most popular varieties are the brown and white Basmati rice. It has a glycemic index of between 56 and 69 which makes it suitable for those suffering from diabetes. It is considered the most expensive rice variety in the world. Basmati rice is used in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. It is usually served with nuts, dried fruits, vegetables, lamb, chicken marsala, and spices.
Summary:
1. Jasmine rice has a floral aroma while Basmati rice has a nutty aroma.
2. Jasmine rice is sticky while Basmati rice is fluffy.
3. Jasmine rice has shorter grains while Basmati rice has longer grains.
4. Jasmine rice is native to Thailand while Basmati rice is native to India and Pakistan.
5. Jasmine rice has a glycemic index of 109 while Basmati rice has a glycemic index of 56 to 69.
6. Jasmine rice is best suited for Asian dishes while Basmati rice is best suited for Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.
7. Jasmine rice is good for those who need sudden bursts of energy while Basmati rice is good for those who are suffering from diabetes.
8. Basmati rice is the most expensive rice variety in the world while Jasmine rice is its cheaper alternative.