India is well-known for its rich traditions, cultures and food. The country has many types of rice, which play a big role in its cuisine. Rice is a key food for millions of people in India, and many people enjoy a full plate of it at least once a day, thanks to the many ways it can be served to make a tasty meal.
From the rich aroma of basmati rice to the earthy richness of black rice, each variety of rice adds its distinct flavor and texture to India’s gastronomic repertoire. But when it comes to choosing one rice variety among so many varieties, the choice is confusing sometimes.
This blog will help you get rid of this confusion as here we will discuss various types of rice varieties in India. So, let’s jump into it!
All the rice varieties found in India reflect the taste and traditions of the country that extend beyond culinary borders. Even if you are making a simple dinner at home or planning a large family gathering or a party, knowing the different varieties of rice can make a big difference. Here is the list of 10 best rice varieties in India:
Basmati rice is one of the most popular and esteemed types of rice in India. It is native to India and Pakistan, with India accounting for 75% of the total production of basmati rice in the world. This variety is known for its long and slender grains, unique aroma, fluffy texture and delicious flavor.
Whether you want to enjoy delicious biryani or kheer as a dessert, you can always count on basmati rice to make every meal memorable. That is because basmati rice is a key ingredient in celebratory dishes such as pulao, pilafs and biryanis.
Regular white rice is another most common type of rice after basmati rice. This variety is seen in almost every Indian household. Since regular white rice is rich in carbs, many health professionals often ask people to avoid this rice from their daily meals to promote a healthy diet. But cutting off delicious daal chawal after a long and hectic day is definitely not an easy thing to do!
Jasmine rice is quite similar to basmati rice in taste and texture, and both have a nice aroma. Many people use jasmine rice instead of basmati rice for this reason. Jasmine rice comes from Southeast Asia and is commonly used in Thai food because it pairs well with Thai dishes. However, this type of rice is also used in Indian cooking because of its subtle sweetness and long grains.
Mogra is an affordable and non-aromatic rice variety in India that originated from the verdant fields of Madhya Pradesh. It looks like regular rice but becomes longer and fluffier when cooked.
Many people use Mogra rice for making pulao and vegetable biryanis because it tastes great. Even though it does not have a strong aroma, it absorbs flavors well and complements Indian curries perfectly.
Grown in Southern India, red rice is another best rice variety in India known for its high fiber and nutty taste. Its bright color comes from anthocyanins, which make it not only colorful but also good for health.
Simply put, red rice is a whole grain that is extremely nutritious and comes with a unique nutty taste and chewy texture. It is mainly used in Kerala rice dishes, salads and healthy food.
Mostly grown in the western region of Maharashtra and some regions of Nashik, Indrayani rice has medium-sized grains that can become sticky if not cooked properly. Since the rice cooks quickly, you need to turn the stove off sooner than with other different types of rice in India. Indrayani rice gives off a lovely and sweet smell when it’s cooked.
Kolam rice has tiny and spongy grains and gives off a floral smell when cooked. It is often used by people in South India to make sweet pongal and everyday dishes. Kolam rice is the best quality of rice in India, great for people with diabetes or high blood sugar because it has a low glycemic index (GI). Moreover, its low price and flexibility make it a popular option for cooking dishes like fried rice and pulao.
Black rice is also known as Forbidden or prohibited rice. It is known for its rich color and high nutritional value. The best thing about black rice is that it is packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins and has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. This makes it a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes like salads and desserts.
Sona Masoori rice is popular in South Indian cooking. It is a medium-grain variety of rice used in everyday and special dishes like sweet pongal, dosa, coconut rice and idli. Sona Masoori rice is aromatic, low in starch, lightweight and has a unique flavor.
Also known as Mulayari or Moongil Arisi in Tamil, bamboo rice is a rare type of rice that comes from bamboo plants. It is found in the northeastern states of India and has a nutty flavor and a unique smell. These characteristics make bamboo rice a special ingredient for stir-fries, desserts and salads.
Rice is probably the national staple food of India, which is not only nutritious but also filling and rich in vital minerals. All these qualities make it the most sought-after grain. Now that you have read this blog, you will no longer be confused after getting spoiled with so many rice varieties.Just ensure to buy the best quality rice in India from a reliable basmati rice supplier like DRRK. Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality rice varieties and get started!