Also known as
Thai Fragrant Rice, Thai Jasmine Rice, Homi Mali Rice

Description

Long grained aromatic rice which is predominantly used in Vietnamese and Thai cooking. It is quite similar to Indian basmati rice (though not aged like basmati), but little sticky in texture. It is a rice varietal which is grown primarily in Thailand, although other nations cultivate the long grained, aromatic rice as well. Like other varieties of rice, fragrant rice is cultivated in water logged paddies. During harvest season, the long stalks of the rice are cut and threshed to remove the rice, which can be left in a hulled form and sold as brown rice, or shucked and sold as white rice. Depending on when the rice is harvested, the flavor varies.

How to select
Fragrant rice is readily available in most stores, and like many other kinds of rice should be used within six months of purchase. Buy rice in the packaged grains section of grocery and specialty stores. Look for intact kernels that aren't broken, scratched, or damaged. Fragrant rice is sold in both brown and white varieties. White rice sets off food flavors more distinctly, while brown rice has higher fiber content and takes longer to cook

Culinary Uses

· It is frequently served with Thai and Chinese dishes, as the subtle flavor and rich aroma are very pleasing to the palate. Serve it as an accompaniment with Thai curries or spicy, sauce-based dishes.
· For something different try using it to make sticky rice pudding or spicy rice puddings.
· The trick to cook fragrant rice well is to use less water, so that the rice gets steamed, rather than boiled. Whether you steam jasmine rice or boil it, it still needs to be rinsed before cooking.
· Use fragrant rice to please guests with aromatic pilafs. It is another alternative for any rice preparation you have in mind.
· Add saffron and cardamom to steamed fragrant rice, or stir in green olives and pimentos.

How to store

It is best stored for up to 6 months under normal conditions. Freezing brown rice and using as required is a better option since brown rice gets rancid faster. Store in air- tight containers in a cool dry place away from moisture and humidity. The aromatic scent of fragrant / jasmine rice will disappear entirely if it is allowed to age too long.


Health benefits

· It is a good source of iron, thiamine and niacin.
· It is also a moderate source of selenium. Selenium may help protect the body from risk of colon cancer. It is also essential for healthy immune functioning. It also provides significant cardiovascular benefits for post-menopausal women