Types of Rice

Basmati rice is a unique species of rice originating from India. Just like all species of rice, basmati is available in white or brown versions, depending on the extent of the milling process. Like jasmine rice, it has its own unique smell.

Whole grain rice is simply rice that has its entire grain intact, which is the case with brown rice. Brown rice is not the only whole grain rice -- wild rice also fits the description -- but white rice does not fit the bill because it lacks all the grain’s components.

Jasmine Rice Jasmine rice is a variety of long-grain, white rice. It is also known as Thai fragrant rice. Jasmine rice is from Thailand and thus the name, Thai fragrant rice. Jasmine rice is also referred to as Thai Hom Mali rice. It was originally named Khao Hom Mali 105 variety in 1954 in Thailand.

Long-grain rice is long and thin (roughly four to five times as long as it is wide), while medium-grain rice is about two to three times as long as it is wide. Short-grain rice is considerably more wide than it is long.

The difference between instant rice and regular rice is that regular rice only undergoes the “milling” processes that all rice goes through in order to be edible. This just takes it from the seed on the original plant down to the edible insides.

Aromatic rice is rice with natural chemical compounds which give it a distinctive scent. Numerous varietals of rice are aromatic, ranging from the famous Basmati to much lesser known Randhunipagal. It can be used just like conventional rice for cooking, but adds a new dimension of flavor and aroma to meals.