What Rice to Buy?

Long grain is the classic rice to select for plain boiling or braising. It falls into two categories: the popcorn-flavoured rice labelled long grain, or American long grain, and the prince of rice, basmati.

Basmati is the real romantic among rice varieties. Grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Hindi name means ‘the fragrant one’ and the long, slender rice grains have a slightly nutty aroma and, when cooked, have a delicate, fluffy texture. For the real connoisseur, aged basmati is expensive to buy, but has the ultimate flavour.