When a country as vast as India relies upon rice as heavily as it does, you can be pretty sure of the fact that there’s more to it than what meets the eye. While it may seem to the layman that there are only a few different types of rice that are available on the market, the truth is far from it. Yes, best quality basmati rice does act as the flagship of Indian rice variants in most cases, but there are a number of other variants that you must consider while visiting the supermarkets as well.
The rice market is quite variegated in the way it functions in the country, with several localized variants making it big on the national and global stages as well, and as connoisseurs, you just cannot afford to overlook them. If you are looking for premium quality rice, you would certainly be spoilt for choice in most cases.
In this blog, we will be taking a look at some of the exquisite rice variants that are available in India, some of the best quality basmati rice variants that you just cannot afford to overlook, and what are some of the parameters and methods that you must keep in mind while shopping around for premium quality rice. So, let’s get started.
High quality basmati rice.
Rightfully referred to as the king of rice across segments and industries, best quality basmati rice features a delectable aroma and long grains that are used to create a wide range of signature Indian dishes and delicacies. Unlike conventional knowledge, there are actually quite a few different variants of basmati rice that are available on the market in this day and age, and while some of them are quite common, others can be particularly difficult to source in certain cases.
Traditional best quality basmati rice is one that we are mostly familiar with, but variants like Pusa Basmati and 1121 Basmati are managing to make their mark on the market as well. In most cases, barring the traditional variants, others have been created through painstaking lab research to preserve or modify specific nutritional values and qualities.
If you are looking for high quality basmati rice, brands like Kohinoor are the ones that you must consider going for. They have been operating in this exact space for a very long time, and it can rightly be said that they feature one of the best portfolios that you would be coming across in the country. Yes, there are several locally-sold basmati variants in the country as well, but the grain quality and aroma are something that you should be focussing on.
Gobindo Bhog rice.
When it comes to high quality rice that is available in India, Gobindo Bhog rice is one of the most sought-after options out there. This is a sticky rice variant that is a local of West Bengal, so much so that the state has managed to obtain a GI tag for the same as well. Underrated across many circles, they feature a strong aroma that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd, with several exquisite dishes like payesh being made out of them.
Now, when it comes to buying and sourcing gobindo bhog, it must be pointed out that almost all of the offerings would be coming out of West Bengal, so the only differentiating factor would turn out to be the quality of the grain and the aroma that they feature.
Common white rice
Not the very first name that comes to our mind when we are talking about high quality rice, they are the ones that are most commonly sold and consumed in the country, and there are no two ways about it. The top reason why we have decided to include it here? Well, you see, there are a number of nutrients that they bring to the table, including carbohydrates, something that serves as the main source of energy in humans.
While there are several regular variants that are available on the market, one must know that there are premium quality rice options being sold in supermarkets and Kirana stores as well. As a rule of thumb, one must consider going for an older lot that has been processed organically as that would help you get the best value for money.
Indrayani rice.
If Gobindo Bhog is a type of rice that defines West Bengal’s grain basket, it is Indrayani Rice that manages to do the same for Maharashtra. Indrayani is a sticky form of rice that features a sweet aroma, and there are several quality manufacturers who source and sell Indrayani Rice in this day and age. If you are looking for the best high quality rice that brings its own unique aroma and flavour to the table, this is one that you just cannot miss out on.
Final take:
Rice defines Indian cuisine and high quality basmati rice truly embodies the spirit of Indian rice better than anything else. If you are looking for the best types of rice, the aforementioned list provides a brief insight into some of the top variants there are. In 2023, there are a number of top sellers who bring the best that the market has to offer, so those are certain offerings that you must be going for. Happy cooking!