Rice is an ingredient widely used, but very few people can prepare it efficiently without any error. I think time, water, and temperature needs to be maintained correctly to make rice. But the experience of cooking rice comes by the time when you start practicing and making the same. Here, we are going to discuss the difference between the two varieties of rice that is basmati VS jasmine rice. Both are almost the same and long-grain variety of rice. But there is a slight difference in their appearance and color, which you will understand after going through a detailed comparison of basmati rice vs jasmine rice.
Difference Between Basmati and Jasmine Rice:
#Origin of Jasmin Rice
Jasmine rice is grown in Thailand and then imported to various places. However, Jasmine is also known as the Thai Fragrant Rice due to its aroma after cooking.
#Origin of Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is grown initially on the hills of the Himalayas located in India and Pakistan. For centuries it is a very famous variety of rice grown in India, and now some varieties are being grown in some U.S. States.
The place of origin is one of the major differences when the comparison of basmati vs jasmine rice comes to light.
#Size of Rice
Both varieties come under the long-grain rice type. But jasmine rice is a little shorter than Basmati rice.
#Cooking Method for Jasmine Rice
One has to remove the excess starch from jasmine rice by washing it completely underwater before cooking. The absorption method is used for cooking the rice.
#The aroma of Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is very aromatic than basmati rice. It has a sweet fragrance that attracts an individual to eat the same.
Also, people who want to know “is jasmine rice healthy”, should note that there are numerous phytonutrients presents in jasmine rice. Thus, it improves the immune system by protecting a body’s cells and making a person’s overall health.
#The aroma of Basmati Rice
The basmati rice is known as “full of fragrance” and has a nuttier aroma. In daily use, basmati rice is used more than jasmine rice.
The aroma between these two is another essential trait that should be pointed out when comparing basmati vs jasmine.
#Cooking Method for Basmati Rice
To cook basmati rice efficiently, one has to soak the rice in water for 2-3 hours before processing it for cooking. One can use the absorption method or drainage method any to cook the rice.
#The texture of Basmati vs Jasmine Rice
Basmati rice looks dry and fluffy after cooking, and on the other hand, jasmine rice looks sticky and moist with some amount of water in it.
#Nutritional Value of Basmati vs Jasmine Rice
Rice contains carbohydrates, and similarly, there is enough amount of carbohydrate in both varieties of rice. Carbohydrates help to strengthen muscles and help in the quick digestion of food. However, Jasmine rice nutrition value is more than basmati rice. The number of calories is more in basmati rice than 238 calories, whereas jasmine rice contains 205 calories in one serving.
#Price Difference between Jasmine vs Basmati
When it comes to the price difference, one can see a huge difference between the price. The cost of Jasmine rice is 9-10 times more than basmati rice. Therefore, basmati rice is more pocket-friendly for a middle-class family.
#There are many varieties of both rice that ranges between:
- Basmati Rice: 100-200 Rs. Per kg
- Jasmine Rice: 900-100 Rs. Per Kg
(The price currency is written as per Indian Unit Price)
#Nutritional Value Comparison
| Nutrients | Jasmine Rice | Basmati Rice |
| Iron | 2% per serving | 0% per serving |
| Carbohydrates | 39 gram per serving | 36 gram per serving |
| Calcium | 2% per serving | 2% per serving |
| Fiber | 1 gram per serving | 1 gram per serving |
| Fat | 1 gram per serving | 0 gram per serving |
| Protein | 4 gram per serving | 4 gram per serving |
| Total Calories | 238 per serving | 205 per serving |
Now that you are aware of basmati vs jasmine rice nutrition values, you can choose to consume either one according to your diet.
Is jasmine rice healthy?
Yes, jasmine rice is healthy and nutritious. Even though it is costly, but it has all the necessary nutrients. The list is given below:
- It is rich in carbohydrates, as discussed above.
- Jasmine rice has Iron and provides 1.1mm of Iron per serving.
- Perfect for pregnancy as it gives 25% of vitamin B9 per serving.
- Jasmine Rice acts as an antioxidant for the body and relieves the body from external oxidation stress.
- If you prefer brown jasmine rice, then it is best to prevent and to cure cancer cells in the body.
Types of Methods to Cook Rice:
So, there are two main methods to cook the rice thoroughly.
- Absorption Method: In the absorption method, rice is cooked in its water, and water gets evaporated once the rice is cooked.
- Drainage Method: In the drainage method, excess water is added while boiling rice, and it is cooked uncovered. Once the rice is done, water is drained-out through some strainer, and rice is served.
Conclusion
Therefore, both basmati and jasmine rice are delicious and preferable. I have cooked both the variety, and I think if you can afford it, then Jasmine rice is good for your health. Yes, there is a difference between both as one has to chew jasmine rice more than normal basmati rice as it is more sticky and thicker.
However, one also needs to cook the jasmine rice differently and carefully if you cook it for the first time.
FAQs
1. Should jasmine rice be soaked before cooking?
Jasmine rice shouldn’t be soaked ever as it’s naturally soft. It just needs to be traditionally steamed or made in a rice cooker.
2. How to avoid getting jasmine rice mushy?
Jasmine rice is softer than most other white rice. Thus, when cooking, you need to use less water than what you’d generally use for any other white rice.
3. Can everyone consume jasmine rice?
Yes, anyone can eat jasmine rice in moderation. Even some animals like dogs can eat it but as mentioned, one should always eat it in moderation.
4. Why is jasmine rice costlier than basmati rice?
Jasmine rice is shorter and plumper than basmati rice. Moreover, it has ample aroma when harvested newly making it costlier rice.
5. Why is basmati rice special?
Basmati rice is special because it’s a low-fat and gluten-free product. Also, it has no cholesterol, a minuscule amount of sodium, and comprise of essential amino and folic acid.
6. What happens if basmati rice is not soaked properly?
If you don’t soak the basmati rice adequately, its flavor is what suffers but the texture is not that highly affected.
7. How to tell if the rice is basmati?
Generally, the grains of Basmati are longer. Experts mention the longer the gain, the better quality it is.
8. How long basmati rice should be soaked before cooking?
For a minimum of 30 minutes, a person should soak basmati rice in water before starting to cook.
