Jai Kumar Gupta

Paddy is the major source of carbs for millions of people around the world. It is inexpensive and among the most flavourful grains. Whether served at home with regular curry or eaten as Biryani at weddings, rice adds colour to every meal. Rice is made daily in almost every household from India to Turkey. Asian cuisine is incomplete without rice. Asia accounts for about 90% of the world's rice production. Around thousands of rice varieties are grown in Asian regions, and all belong to Oryza Sativa.

Basmati rice and Jasmine rice are the 2 tastiest rice you will find in Asia. Jasmine rice is cultivated in Southeast Asia, whereas Basmati is grown in South Asia. Jasmine rice is available in two varieties: white Jasmine rice and brown Jasmine rice. On the other hand, you will find myriad varieties of Basmati rice. Some of them are creamy Sella rice, Pusa Basmati, Kasturi Basmati, and Mahi Sugandha Basmati.

Rice consumption is increasing year by year. In 2010, rice demand was around 676 MLT, while in 2020, it increased to 763 MLT. The rice is cultivated in wetlands and requires plenty of water. Increased demand for rice is directly related to higher water consumption. In this article, we will discuss 4 ways that will help you to grow more paddy and also save water.

• Use AWD System

AWD is defined as an alternative wetting and drying system for rice cultivation. It is a water-saving technology that farmers can use to reduce water for rice cultivation and irrigation. The AWD technology saves around 15% to 25% water. In AWD systems, the rice fields are first filled with water and then left to dry for many days. When the water level falls 15 cm beneath the soil surface, the field is again filled with water. That's why it's called an alternative wetting and drying system. The number of days for which fields are allowed to dry depends on the condition of the soil. The farmers use a field water tube to measure the water levels under the soil surface. The AWD technique can increase the rice yield and save millions of gallons. It also improves the quality of paddy and decreases the As (arsenic) accumulation in it.

• Aerobic Rice System

The cultivation of Aerobic rice instead of plain rice can also increase the rice yield and reduce water usage by up to 60%. According to statistics, the same amount of water we use to grow normal rice in one acre is used to grow aerobic rice in 4 acres. Normal rice irrigation requires water on a daily basis, while Aerobic rice requires you to water the fields once a week. The best feature of Aerobic rice is that it can be grown on any type of land. It requires less investment and increases your profits.

• Practice DDR (Dry Direct Seeding)

Dry seeding technology allows rice grains to be sown in dry soil and thereby increases the yield of paddy grains. Generally, this method of cultivation required a machine called a power tiller operated seeder. DDR requires less water, labour, time, and money. Not just that, crops cultivated with dry direct seeding matures 10 days earlier than those rice, which is cultivated with traditional technique. DDR saves 15% to 30% water for planting rice. It's important to note that direct seeding increases the number of weeds. Therefore weed management is necessary for such a type of cultivation.

• Use SRI Methodology

SRI is defined as a system of rice intensification and used to elevate rice yield in less water. It originated from the Republic of Madagascar in 1980. This type of rice is cultivated in non-flooded rice fields and uses manure in lieu of synthetic fertilizers to increase soil fertility and nutrient values.

Parboiled rice is alternatively known as Ukda chawal and converted rice. Many people have a misconception that parboiled rice is precooked grain. However, it’s not true. Indeed, the processing methods of parboiled rice are quite different from other varieties of paddy grains. Generally, the processing of white and brown rice starts with removing the husk. But the parboiled paddy is partially boiled with its hull prior to the milling processing. Remnants of history reveal that the rice parboiling process has been used by Asians and African people since ancient times. This makes it easy to remove the hull by hand.

Nowadays, rice parboiling is done via machines and has become more advanced. It is done to enhance the texture and nutritional value of rice. The partial boiling process pushes all the nutrients of bran and husk to the endosperm and makes the final product healthier. Also, all the harmful substances like arsenic are washed away by parboiling whole-grain paddy. Parboiled rice is cooked faster than all other types of rice; it takes around 15-20 minutes to cook the parboiled grain. The process of paddy parboiling is divided into the following three steps.

Soaking

First of all, the raw rice grain is soaked in lukewarm water for 1 to 2 hours. This will elevate the moisture of the paddy.

Steaming

The next step is to steam the whole grain rice until it’s starch content is converted into gluten. The steaming kills the bacteria and eliminates other harmful substances from rice.

Drying

Drying is the last step of the parboiling procedure. The steamed rice is dried at 100°C temperature before milling.

The hue of parboiled rice is distinct from normal rice; it looks translucent pale yellow. The reason behind the unique amber color of parboiled rice is the transmission of husk and bran pigments to the endosperm during the boiling process.

Nutritional Content Of Parboiled Rice:

Carbs

Parboiled rice is an ample source of carbohydrates. 150 grams of parboiled long grain rice contains 40 grams of carbohydrates content, which is much higher than the brown rice and slightly lower than the plain white rice.

Fiber

Talking about fiber, again, converted rice wins the race. The pre-boiled rice grain possesses higher fiber than the white rice. The equal servings of parboiled rice contain almost twice as much fiber as white rice.

Glycemic Index

The GI index of Udka rice is lower than white rice. As per the Harvard Health report, the glycemic score of parboiled rice is 38, and it is completely safe for people who have diabetic issues.

Vitamins

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, plays a vital role in absorbing and extracting energy from proteins and carbs. Converted paddy grains are full of vitamin B6. One cup of Udka rice grain fills around 14% of recommended daily intake of vitamin B6. This partially boiled grain also contains a small amount of vitamin B9. Apart from all these, it is a good source of thiamine (vitamin B1) and niacin (vitamin B3) and helps increase your body’s metabolism. 155 grams of parboiled rice fulfills your 10% of daily Thiamine 23% of recommended Niacin needs.

Health Benefits:

The converted or parboiled helps to improve the gastrointestinal tract. They act as a prebiotic and boost the growth of healthy bacteria called probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract.

As already mentioned, the GI index of Udaka rice is very low, and their consumption does not increase the blood sugar level. Therefore, it would be best for diabetic people to choose boiled paddy instead of white and brown rice.

The other benefit of parboiled rice is that it is good for treating diarrhea.

In Final Words:

Parboiled rice is much healthier than the processed white rice. Therefore, it would be great for your health to switch over to parboiled rice. Do not forget to rinse it for 20 minutes in water before cooking.

Everyone loves to eat Biryani, Pulao, and fried rice. But, many people have a misconception that these dishes are the same. Although they belong to the same category, they do not taste the same. Also, their origin and preparation method is completely different. Biryani, pulao, and fried rice possess unique aromas and flavors. Generally, basmati rice is used to make pulao and biryani, and Jasmine rice is used to make fried rice. Biryani and fried rice are available in two options: veg and non-veg, whereas pulao is made from vegetables only. The Basmati rice adds an alluring taste to biryani and pulao. It’s long-grain rice, which has a fluffy texture. Apart from all these qualities, basmati also has many health benefits. Jasmine rice also belongs to the long grain category, but slightly shorter than the Basmati grain. The nuttiness of jasmine rice makes it perfect for making fried rice.

It is very important to know the real difference between the pulao,biryani rice, and fried rice to maintain their authentic taste. In this article, we will discuss the primary differences between these three rice dishes.

Origin

Although biryani is consumed in almost every Asian country these days, it originated by the Persians. Then it was brought to India by Taimur (a former Timurid empire) in 1398. Even though Persian people have discovered Biryani, it has been made more delicious by the Mughals.

Pulav is one of the most liked dishes from India to Turkey. In Turkey, it is famous as Pilaf. As per the remnants of history, the pulao is first used to be prepared in India and Turkey.

Fried rice is extremely different from Biryani and Pulao. It is a Chinese dish and prepared with major Chinese herbs and flavors.

Preparation

Biryani rice is cooked with a leaching method; means rice is semi-boiled in the first step of cooking. Then the rice is completely dried and layered up with onions and pre-cooked vegetables. However, making pulao is quite easy; all the vegetables are cooked together with rice in the same vessel. Fried rice is prepared with pre-cooked rice. First, vegetables and meat are fried in a Chinese wok, then the pre-cooked rice and various Chinese flavors are added to it.

Spices Used

Biryani is all about spices. Various raw and processed spices are used while preparing Biryani rice. Some of them are cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, black pepper, cardamom, star anise, mace, nutmeg, and more. Apart from these, saffron and rose water is also used in Biryani.

Pulao contains less spices than the Biryani and is much cheaper. On the other hand, fried rice is complemented with Chinese spices and flavors, such as soy sauce, green and red chili sauce, vinegar, black pepper powder, and Ajinomoto.

Utensil and Flame

Generally, biryani is cooked in a special vessel at a very low flame, made of steel, clay, or brass. The pot used to cook Biryani is known as “Deg”. 

Pulo can be prepared in a pressure cooker or stainless steel pots on medium to high flame. It takes very little time to cook pulao.

The fried rice is made in a thin iron wok, also known as Chinese wok, at a very high flame.

Layering

Out of Biryani, pulao, and fried rice, only biryani rice is made with a layering method. One layer is devoted to chicken, followed by fried onions, then half-cooked vegetables, and the final one is boiled rice. The layering makes the Biryani more delicious and aromatic than the pulao and fried rice.

In Final Words:

Biryani and pulao are the mouthwatering as well as healthy rice dishes. They contain a lot of vegetables, dry fruits, and healthy spices. Eating fried rice once or twice a month is not a problem, but eating it regularly is not good as it contains so many artificial flavors. 

Basmati rice is long and slender grain and is well known for its aromatic fragrance. It is the king of all paddy grains and is consumed by people all over the world. Its texture is non-sticky and fluffy. There are hundreds of varieties of Basmati rice. Some of them are Pusa Basmati, Ranbir Basmati, Kasturi, Haryana Basmati, Vallabh Basmati, and many more. As per the remnants of history, basmati rice originated from the Indian subcontinent. Rice cultivation is mostly done in northern states of India like Haryana, UP, Punjab, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan. Basmati is the pride of all gala festivals and auspicious occasions. Whether it’s Diwali, Eid, Christmas, or any other special celebration, the appetizing aroma of basmati rice makes it even more special.

You might have heard that aged basmati rice is more expensive than fresh basmati grain. Do you know why? Basmati rice becomes more fragrant and tasty as it gets older. Also, its nutrients value increases by the aging process. They are typically used in making special cuisines like pilaf, biryani, fried rice, and more. Read on to know about the benefits of old basmati rice.

Benefits Of Using Aged Basmati Rice

Aged basmati rice is properly dried and dehydrated. Therefore, a good amount of water is needed to cook old fragrant rice, which makes them fluffy and non-sticky. On the other hand, the new or fresh basmati grain contains a bit more water content. Due to which they become a little sticky upon cooking. If you like to eat long and non-sticky rice, it would be better to go with old basmati rice.

Besides fluffy texture, aged basmati also possesses great aroma and flavor. They are more floral and nutty than the fresh basmati grain. Like new basmati, the old basmati is also available in two options; white basmati and brown basmati. If you are on a weight-loss mission, then you need to consume brown basmati. They are rich in fiber and make you feel full for long hours.

The old basmati rice contains higher nutrients than the fresh one. It is an adequate source of carbohydrates and proteins. Carbohydrates give you enough energy to do physical activities, and proteins strengthen your bones and muscles. Every 150 gms of aged basmati contains 5 grams of protein.

The basmati rice that has been stored for a sufficient amount of time is also good for skin health. You can make its powder and can apply it to the face and neck. It is very useful in treating a plethora of skin problems like measles, scalds, and smallpox.

The aged rice is not polished during the milling process, so they do not lose essential nutrients and vitamins, while new basmati rice goes through the polishing process and loses its nutritive value.

Amino acids are the compounds that synthesize proteins and perform many other vital functions in the body. Aged basmati is a rich source of all types of amino acids, and these strengthen your immune system and protects you from many hazardous diseases like cancer and thyroid.

The excessive intake of gluten can be very harmful. It can raise many digestive problems and make you feel dizzy and tired. The other amazing qualities of old basmati is that it does not contain gluten and cholesterol. It is full of important minerals that our body needs to function properly.

The old basmati does not contain arsenic, which is often present in many grains. Arsenic is a very harmful compound that can cause skin cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and more. It is a very toxic substance and not good for the body at all.

Wrapping Up:

So, there you have it, a deep dive into aged basmati rice. This rice is the healthiest and tastiest option. It is full of nutrients and does not contain harmful substances.

Basmati Rice has a peculiar aroma and is considered a special type of rice grown under particular climatic conditions and seasons in specific areas around the world. Hundreds of varieties of basmati rice are available, which is grown and consumed in different places worldwide. But, some of which are considered the best basmati rice is grown in India and Pakistan.

Almost everyone is aware of the rich texture, appetizing aroma, and delectable taste of basmati rice, but few know about the points to keep in mind while buying them. Therefore, we have penned down a few tips to pick the right quality basmati rice:

Aroma Says A Lot

When you are running rice errands, check the basmati rice quality with just a sniff. If you get a delicious and sweet aroma, then it is good grade rice as basmati rice smells excellent even when it is uncooked. On the other hand, if there is no fragrance in rice, don’t buy it because it might be of low quality.

Do A Color Check

Most of us didn’t know that basmati rice has a different color. We confuse them with other white rice. However, unlike white rice, good quality basmati rice has a light golden color. Some of the retailers sell greyish rice in the name of basmati rice. Beware of such fraudsters. The best quality of basmati rice has only a golden hue and no such grey tone.

The Longer The Length, The Better The Rice

Good quality basmati rice has extra-long grain. So, it is said that the more expensive the rice is, the longer the grain. When you go shopping for rice, one of the key points to consider is rice length.

Besides, you can check out the rice kernels’ ends, too, if they are tapered. In the consumer voice report by the Indian Government, the optimal basmati rice is 3.5mm length minimum. Therefore, you should go for it.

Check How Old The Rice Is

Many of you might be thinking about how stupid it is to buy old rice instead of fresh crop. But, it is a fact that aged rice is actually of better quality than new ones. The concept behind it is somewhat similar to wine. “The older, the better.”

Many traders worldwide age these rice for years as it is said they become thoroughly dried and cooked well.

Moisture Content

Rice is harvested under high moisture conditions, which needs to be dried thoroughly before selling. According to FSSAI(Food Safety & Standards Authority of India), moisture content percentage in rice after being harvested should be less than 16%. When buying basmati rice, you can check the label for checking moisture content percentage.

You Can Opt Healthy Variety Of Basmati Rice

When the world is reeling over getting fit and healthy and shifting to a balanced diet, choosing brown or organic basmati rice can be a great choice. These rice reduce the risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and keep you healthy. They are a healthy alternative to white basmati rice.

Ensure Purity Percentage

The purity percentage should be 100. With the rise of unknown diseases and viruses hitting the world, we should feed our family with the purest food.  The WHO is publishing articles regarding a new virus to be found in the near future. Therefore, you must check that the purity is close to 100 and foreign content in rice is not more than 6 % of rice’s total weight.

Check Percentage of Fragmented & Broken Rice Kernels:

As per the Consumer Voice Report, export quality rice must not have more than 10 % of fragmented and broken rice kernels in them. If you are looking for the best quality basmati rice, then you must aim for this percentage.

Summing Up:

Numerous factors play imperative roles in determining the quality of the basmati rice. You can consider the factors mentioned above while buying rice. Check these critical points and get the best basmati rice for your home.

Rice or paddy is the staple food of many people in the world. In most Asian countries, rice is consumed daily with curries and soups. Also, the poorest people of Africa rely on rice to fill their daily carbohydrate needs. The alluring taste of rice is loved by people all around the world. Apart from a mouth-watering taste, rice is full of nutritional values. It is a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, thiamine, and folate. Presently, China is the largest producer of rice, followed by India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. However, when it comes to Basmati rice, India holds the 1st position. India is the largest producer and exporter of long grain Basmati rice.

Although there are three varieties of long grain rice, the American long-grain rice, Basmati rice, and Jasmine rice, nobody can beat the taste, aroma, and taste of Basmati rice. It is majorly cultivated in the Indian region and is supplied all over the world. Kasturi Basmati, Mahi Sugandha Basmati, Pusa Basmati, Ranbir Basmati, Sella Basmati rice, Vallabh Bhai Basmati are some of the popular varieties of Indian Basmati rice.

History Of Rice:

According to the relics of history, rice was first grown in the region of the Yangtze River Valley of China. But some researchers also claim that rice cultivation first started in the Ganges river valley of India. Later on, other Asian countries also started rice plantations on their farms. The two oldest species of rice were Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima. O. sativa was grown in the Asian region, whereas O. glaberrima was cultivated in the African sub-continent.

Cliatic And Soil Requirements For Rice -:

Paddy grain is grown in hot and humid climates. Areas that have high humidity, extended sunlight and large amounts of water are best for rice cultivation. The temperature between 21 to 37º C is perfect for the farming of this crop. The rice crop does not tolerate more than 42º C temperature.

Talking about the soil, rice farming is generally practiced on silt clay, clay, and clay loam soil. These soils have high humidity content and are fertile enough for the proper growth and development of paddy. The rice can also be grown in alkaline and acidic soils, but it can hinder the growth of the crop. The favorable pH value of soil for the cultivation of rice is between 5.5 to 7.0.

Nutritional Content Of Rice -:

Rice is full of healthy nutrients like vitamin A, carbohydrates, iron, zinc, folic acid, proteins, etc. Although white rice is good for health, brown rice has more nutritional value. Brown rice is a good source of fiber that helps to improve your digestion. Also, it is great for reducing weight. The brown rice is also known as unprocessed rice and contains germ, endosperm, and bran. The bran is the outer part of the grain and is not present in the white rice; it makes the unprocessed rice less fibrous.

Medicinal Value Of Rice -:

You will be surprised to know that rice has several medicinal properties. In many countries, the bran part of the rice is used in vitamin B supplements. The bran part of rice is also very helpful in treating beriberi. The husk of mature rice plants is very effective in treating stomach related problems such as loose motions. Also, the face pack of rice water helps in regaining the suppleness and tenderness of the skin. It helps in healing skin conditions like eczema. You can also use rice water as a hair mask; it stops the hair fall and makes your hair extra shiny.

Different Types Of Rice Species -:

Around 40,000 species of rice are grown in the world. Here are the most popular varieties of rice.

Basmati rice

Jasmine rice

American long-grain rice

Koshihikari Rice

Broken or Com Tam rice

Black rice

The Bottom Line -:

Many people have a myth that rice consumption is not good for health, but it’s not true. Rice is an abundant source of vital nutrients and fiber, which keeps you healthy.

If you are one of those people who consider that rice is rice and there is no better and worse about the rice then here you will get to know that Basmati rice is the best rice you should take in your diet because of its nutrient value. It is a healthy super grain that helps a person to complete the nutrition deficiency of the body. Because of these reasons, people prefer to consume basmati rice over all other rice. If you are still surprised to know the fact that basmati is the best rice to consume, then these facts about Basmati will make you believe in it.

Basmati is gluten-free and low in fat too. It does not have cholesterol and it also contains eight essential amino acids and folic acid.

The best thing about it is that it is low in sodium content.

It is the taste sensation and with every long rice of basmati, it makes you have a better taste. If your guests are coming, then nothing could be a better option than basmati rice to give them the best treat or food possible. Unlike other ordinary long-grain rice that is light, fluffy texture of basmati rice and the slender grains offer the palate a totally different experience so that you can enjoy the delicious taste of basmati.

The basmati rice has a wonderful aroma also. It has the aroma of sun-baked wood and flowers.

Rice has been cultivated for thousands of years. It has been a staple in many Indian dishes and not just in India but across the world, their taste has been well known.

Usually, this rice comes in two main colors which are white and brown. It also has a nutty taste and has a distinct smell that will make you enjoy these around the year. The hull, bran, and the germ has also been removed from the rice.

It has been said that people with diabetes should say goodbye to the rice, but do you know it is a wrong fact? Basmati rice is diabetic friendly. It has a low glycemic index so that you can enjoy the taste and aroma of these rice even when you are diabetic.

What are the different health benefits of basmati rice?

There are numerous numbers of health benefits that have been provided by basmati rice. Check out this list of health benefits of basmati rice:

Fiber

This rice contains a great quantity of fiber. When you buy it from any basmati rice supplier, don’t forget to check the label to get to know the fiber contained in rice. With the help of the high fiber content, you can prevent the risk of diabetes 2.

Good for heart

It has low saturated fat content therefore it is also a great thing for people who want to have a healthy heart. It also has less bad cholesterol makes it an ideal option for the heart over again.  

It prevents the formation of cancer cells also

When you eat basmati rice, you don’t have to worry about the formation of cancer cells. As these are highly rich in fiber which prevents the formation of cancer cells. It is also effective in preventing the formation of breast cancer therefore you should choose to eat basmati rice in your daily diet.

Support the weight loss

If you want to lose weight, then it is recommended you consume this rice regularly. The cooking of these rice is also really very easy therefore you will enjoy having less weight. It is great for dieting and maintaining a good weight.

Apart from these, there are also many other benefits of basmati rice so don’t forget to add them right now into your diet.

Bottom line: Basmati rice is an aromatic and long grain that is great to consume and enjoy not just in taste but also offers great nutrient benefits to an individual. These are fulfilled with a lot of vitamins and minerals providing health benefits. Usually available in two main varieties but when you choose to buy these, make sure you purchase from the right basmati rice supplier only because only the right basmati rice without any mixing contains higher nutrients and offers a lot of health benefits also.  

We all know junk food is not good for health, especially for small children. Processed foods can lead to many health problems for children, such as obesity, slower growth, fatigue, digestive problems, heart disease, and more. But Keeping kids away from junk food is not an easy feat. To wean them off junk foods ( pizza, chocolate, burger, etc.) from your children, you need to understand their likes and dislikes and be a little creative with their food.

You try to develop healthy eating habits in your child. Feed them green vegetables, all types of fruits, whole grains, dairy products, etc. Rice, millet, barley, whole wheat, maize, and other grains are full of healthy nutrients and boost the child’s growth. Out of them, rice is quick to make and easy to digest. There are many types of rice, but premium quality Basmati rice is the healthiest and tastiest; therefore, you can consider Basmati rice when you are cooking for your loved ones. After all, your child’s health comes first of all. Read on to know 8 easy and healthy rice recipes for kids. 

Curd Rice

Curd rice is also known as yogurt rice. It is very easy to make and one of the best summer foods. First, whisk the curd thoroughly in a bowl and then put boiled rice into it, mix it well. Then take a small pan and add oil mustard seeds, curry leaves, salt, and green coriander. Heat it for a while and add this mixture to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients, and your curd rice is ready to serve. Isn’t it easy?

This recipe is full of protein, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Curd rice strengthens your child’s gut and curbs acidity.

Potato Rice

Patato is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It helps in controlling blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. It’s essential to feed potatoes to your child in their growing years. You can make quick and nutritious potato rice for kids. Take boiled potatoes and Premium Basmati rice in a bowl. Mash them together with a masher. Add salt and black pepper powder to the bowl and squeeze a lemon into it. That’s it; potato rice is ready for your little ones.

Tangy Tamarind Rice

Tamarind rice is a good source of fiber; you can give it to your children once a week. Its tempering and tangy taste are loved by most of the children. Take a skillet and add 1 spoon of mustard oil to it. When oil gets heated properly, put mustard seeds, cumin seeds, a spoon of black gram, turmeric, salt, and curry leaves on it. Add pre-cooked oil, turmeric paste, and salt into the skillet. Cook for a while and tangy tamarind rice is ready to eat.

Green Peas Rice

Green peas are an excellent source of many important nutrients such as fiber and vitamins C and E, zinc. Potassium and folate. So, you must include it in your child’s diet. One of the easiest ways of doing this is serving them green peas rice. Take one tablespoon of olive oil in a wok and cumin seeds to it. When they start popping, add pre-boiled Basmati rice & peas, salt, and lemon juice to the wok. Seve hot green peas rice to your kid with yogurt.

Rice Milk Pudding

Children always love and prefer to eat sweet foods. Another tasty and healthy eating option for children is rice pudding. Add full cream milk to the saucepan and let it boil for 15 minutes on low flame. Keep it stirring constantly. Put boiled rice sugar and dried fruits in the pan and then cook the mixture for another 10 minutes. Rice milk pudding is ready to serve.

The Bottom Line -:

You can boost your children’s immunity and health by feeding these super healthy and quick rice recipes.