Basmati vs Jasmine Rice
The difference between Basmati rice and Jasmine rice can be observed on different factors such as the length of the grain, nature after cooking, aroma, etc. When we talk about aromatic varieties of rice around the world, Basmati rice comes first to mind. It has a typical fragrance and flavor that makes people crazy about this type of rice. The good thing about Basmati rice is its long grains, which make it look beautiful too. However, gone are the times when the world had no other option apart from Basmati. Today, there are many varieties of rice giving strong competition to Basmati, and one of these varieties is Jasmine rice. People who are not aware of the physical differences between these two varieties remain confused. This article attempts to clarify this confusion by highlighting all differences between Basmati and Jasmine rice varieties.
Though traditionally Basmati rice comes from India, Pakistan, and parts of Bangladesh, and Jasmine rice comes from Thailand, there are today knock-off versions of both varieties of rice produced in the US. However, people who have tasted the original Basmati and Jasmine rice believe that the taste of that rice is superior to the taste of the knock-off versions that are cultivated in the US. Both are long grains and aromatic, but there are many differences between the two.
What is Basmati Rice?
Basmati is a long grain rice type that is very aromatic and tasty. Those who prefer their rice to be fluffy, dry and separate prefer Basmati. Basmati rice is a little expensive given the unique nature of the rice. This Basmati rice is very much used in the Middle Eastern, Persian and Indian cooking. Especially, the Biriyani rice dish uses Basmati rice.
When it comes to the Glycemic Index, Basmati carries a number such as 58. The glycemic index tells you how quickly a food item is digested and how rapidly glycogen enters the blood stream. Those with higher GI number are the food items that are digested faster and that release glycogen faster. Those food items with a lower GI number are the ones that are digested slower and that release glycogen slower to the blood stream. So, Basmati rice gets digested rather slower. It is good as it helps you to keep your weight in check by not having to be hungry often.
What is Jasmine Rice?
Jasmine rice also is a long grained rice type. This aromatic rice type become stickier once cooked. However, those that love Jasmine rice do not have a problem with this sticky nature of the rice. Jasmine rice is used in Southeast Asian cooking.
Jasmine rice carries a 109 GI. This means that Jasmine rice is digested faster, and the glycogen is absorbed into the blood stream faster.
What is the difference between Basmati and Jasmine Rice?
• Place of Cultivation:
• The original Basmati comes from the India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
• The original Jasmine comes from Thailand.
• The knock-off versions of both varieties of rice are produced in the US.
• Length of Grain:
• As far as the length of grains is concerned, Basmati wins the race, as its grains are much longer than the grains of Jasmine.
• Cooking Method:
• The Basmati rice can be cooked by either boiling or absorption method.
• Absorption is the preferred method of cooking of Jasmine rice.
• Nature of Grain after Cooking:
• The grains remain separate, fluffy and dry in Basmati.
• The grains become stickier in case of Jasmine when boiled.
• Aroma and Taste:
• Both have a strong aroma and a distinct taste but the aroma and taste are unique to each variety.
• Ageing:
• Ageing increases the aroma of Basmati rice and aged rice are more expensive.
• In the case of Jasmine rice, with ageing, the rice loses its aroma.
• Nutrients:
• As far as calorie count and fat content are concerned, both Jasmine1 and Basmati2 rice are similar and making a choice between the two on the basis of their nutritional contents is difficult. It is better to select either on the basis of personal taste preferences.
• Even the fiber, iron, and protein content of the two varieties of rice are more or less similar.
• Glycemic Index:
• One difference that is considered insignificant is the glycemic index.
• Basmati happens to have a glycemic index of 58.
• Plain white jasmine has a glycemic index of 109.3
• Cost:
• Jasmine rice is cheaper than Basmati rice and hence it is referred to as a cheaper substitute of Basmati.
These are the differences between Basmati and Jasmine rice.
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