What is Basmati Rice?

Basmati is a special quality of rice found in South Asia with characteristics of long, thin grains and a specific aroma. The aroma is basically due to the aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Basmati rice has this compound 12 times more than other non-basmati varieties. It traditionally belongs to the Indian subcontinent which still has a major share of its export. India produces 70% of basmati in the world. The primary states which produce Basmati are Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Bihar. Popular varieties of Basmati in India are Basmati, P3 Punjab, Safidon, Kasturi, Pusa 1121, Mahi Suganda etc. The price of Basmati varies with the seasonal output and demands of import from various nations.