Basmati Rice

Known as the ‘prince of rices’, basmati is the recommended rice for Indian curries - not only because it is easy to cook and produces an excellent finished result, but because it has a cooling effect.

Basmati is a slender, long grain, milled rice grown in northern India, the Punjab, parts of Pakistan and in the foothills of the Himalayas. Its name means ‘fragrant’, and it has a distinctive and appealing aroma. After harvesting it is aged for a year, which gives it its characteristic flavour and a light, fluffy texture. Basmati can be used in almost any savoury dish, particularly curries or pilaus, and is the essential ingredient in biryanis. White and brown basmati rices are widely available from supermarkets and Indian food stores.