Varieties of rice – Rice is considered a staple in hundreds or thousands of people’s diets as it is an important source of energy. There are different types of rice, leading to a wide number of recipes. If one type of rice is substituted with another type, it can literally change the recipe’s result.

Today’s post is all about the rice varieties in India. You will get to know various rice varieties from basmati and glutinous rice to back and jasmine rice along with aromatic rice varieties. Each variety of rice has its texture, taste, and other properties. You will discover the name of each rice variety, where it is cultivated, and what the farming method is.

Let’s discover some of the best-known rice varieties of India!

Glutinous Rice

Glutinous Rice is a popular type of rice mainly grown in the north-eastern part of India, being the national staple of this region. It is also known as sweet rice or sticky rice. What makes glutinous rice different from other varieties is that other types of rice contain both amylose and amylopectin (substances that make up the starch) while glutinous rice contains only one molecule of starch known as amylopectin.

Most people believe that it is named Glutinous because of the dietary gluten present in it. There is no gluten present in Glutinous Rice. When cooked, it becomes sticky or glue-like, this is the reason that it is called Glutinous, and hence it is safe for gluten-free diets. You can also make some best desserts with glutinous rice.

Basmati Rice

Another important type of long-grain aromatic rice is basmati rice. It is the most common type of rice cooked in certain districts of India. More than 70 percent of the production of basmati rice comes from India, majorly from the states of Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand.

The basmati rice not only creates a pleasant aroma in a dish, but it also becomes dry and separate when cooked. Moreover, this type of rice is considered the flavoring agent as it gives a distinct fragrance and flavor. It is also used in the manufacturing of bakery products due to the aroma it generates.

Many recipes can be made with basmati rice. It can be served plain or with curry, vegetables, dal, onions, or herbs.

Black Rice

Also known as Kavuni Arisi, Black rice is another type of rice that is common in the south-east Asian region. It is commonly grown in West Bengal and Odisha.

It is a rich source of vitamin E and iron. This variety of rice consists of anthocyanin antioxidants at a high level and is eaten during traditional festivals.

Gandhasaale

Gandhasaale is another aromatic rice variety that is popular due to its heavy fragrance, which may spread when you start cooking the rice. It is usually found in the Western Ghats of India.

An interesting fact to know about this rice variety is that it has fragrance only when the farmers grow it at a high altitude place. If it is cultivated in the plain areas, it will not have fragrance.

Kali Jeera Rice

Also known as baby basmati rice, the Kali Jeera Rice is a long-grain white rice that also comes in the category of aromatic rice varieties. It does not only have a mouthwatering taste and unique texture but gives a certain aroma while it is being cooked.

It can be used in a variety of dishes. You can serve it plain by boiling it in water or serve it with salads, almonds, raisins, or fried onion.