Basmati vs Jasmine Rice: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a home chef, it’s safe to say that you’re constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ways to spice up your dishes. But equally important is having a solid side dish or two to round out the meal!

Basmati and jasmine rice are common side dishes, or even foundations, to a variety of dishes. But what’s the difference between basmati vs jasmine rice? We’re answering that question in this blog post!

Jasmine and Basmati Rice Explained

If you’re bored with the same brown or white rice options, jasmine and basmati rice could be a solution! While both are delicious, there are several key differences between jasmine and basmati rice. Let’s dive in!

All you need to know about jasmine rice

Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety of “Oryza sativa,” which is otherwise known as Asian rice. Jasmine rice grows in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It is commonly eaten in Asia, India, and the Middle East, where rice is a main part of a well-balanced diet and plays a role in almost every meal. 

Jasmine rice is also exported throughout the world! It has a unique aroma, flavor, and texture that distinguishes it from every other type of rice. Jasmine rice is sometimes called "fragrant rice," and the fresher it is, the more aromatic it will be.

What is basmati rice?

Available in both white and brown varieties, basmati rice is known for its nutty flavor and pleasant aroma. Although the exact amount of nutrients vary based on the type of basmati, each serving is high in carbs and calories as well as micronutrients like folate, thiamine, and selenium.

Compared with other types of rice, basmati is generally lower in arsenic, which is a heavy metal that can harm your health and potentially increase your risk of diabetes. Brown basmati rice is considered a whole grain, meaning that it contains all three parts of the kernel — the germ, bran, and endosperm.

Are these kinds of rice healthy?

Nutrition-wise, both jasmine and basmati rice are low in fat and provide an excellent protein boost. Basmati rice has a much lower glycemic index (59 compared with jasmine rice’s 89), which makes basmati rice a better choice for diabetics.

Jasmine and basmati rice are most commonly sold after the germ and bran have been removed (i.e. in their white form), but you can find brown basmati and brown jasmine rice, which require different cooking methods but give you more nutrients and fiber. 

Differences Between Jasmine and Basmati Rice

Believe it or not, there are more than 40,000 types of rice in the world. We’re breaking down the differences between jasmine and basmati rice.

Origins

Jasmine rice hails from Thailand, while basmati rice originates in India and Pakistan.

Size

Basmati grains are extra long and thin, and some sources say they benefit from soaking in liquid. In contrast, the shorter, wider jasmine rice grains need just a quick rinse to remove excess starch. However, those who like a bit of stickiness can skip the rinse!

Smell

Both basmati and jasmine rice are fragrant and share the 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline compound, which gives them a popcorn-like smell. However, basmati has a slightly nutty quality, while jasmine rice is more floral.

Texture and Taste

Jasmine and basmati rice are both of the long grain variety, which means they are fluffy when cooked. They are not very sticky, so their grains are distinct, but jasmine is plumper, softer, and often more moist than basmati, which has a firmer texture.

Cooking time and methods

Here’s an easy cheat sheet: basmati rice is usually boiled and jasmine is best steamed. If you have a rice cooker, it can handle either method of cooking! If you use a rice cooker for basmati rice, after soaking it for 30 minutes, you will need to add slightly less water than your cooker’s instructions indicate. It can also be helpful to add butter, ghee, or oil to keep the grains separated. 

Another option is to add aromatics like saffron, cinnamon, or bay leaves to infuse flavor into your rice! When the rice is done cooking, let it sit for about 15 minutes before taking the lid off and fluffing it with a fork. 

How to Use Jasmine and Basmati Rice?

So now that you know allll about jasmine and basmati rice … what type of dishes should you use it in, anyway?! 

Here are a few favorite recipes to bookmark and try on your next culinary adventure! ;)

• Chicken biryani
• Bibimap bowl
• Pulled pork rice bowl

Well there you have it–are you hungry for jasmine or basmati rice yet?

And while you may feel like putting the chef’s hat on once in a while, there are occasionally those days when you’re not in the mood to cook … and that’s okay! 

If you’re looking for a delicious rice that’s ready in 60-seconds, there’s Proper Good’s Rice! All the soaking and cooking is done so all you have to do is heat & eat!  Try Proper Good Basmati Rice or Proper Good Brown Rice & Quinoa Blend.