Basmati Rice
Basmati needs specific water, heat and light conditions to grow,
and the perfect conditions can only be found in the regions which
lie at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. It
comes from a very tender, delicate plant which requires constant
vigilance to ensure a healthy crop. Due to the climatic conditions
there is only one harvest per year. Like a fine wine, Basmati
matures and improves with age so the rice is usually stored for
12-18 months before it is sold.
Basmati is considered by many to be the best white rice
available with very unique characteristics. When cooked, the
rice has a wonderful aromatic fragrance and a very unique, delicate
flavour. The grains almost double in length, separate easily
from each other and become fluffy in texture.
While the majority of Basmati sold has been milled to become
white, brown Basmati is also available. Brown Basmati retains
the characteristics of white Basmati; however it is the presence of
the rice germ and bran layers which distinguish it from the milled
white variety. Although it needs longer to cook, brown
Basmati has a delicious nutty flavour.