Long-grain, fragrant rice known as “jasmine” is mostly farmed in Thailand. It has a mildly sweet flavor and a nice scent that is similar to popcorn. It also has a light, fluffy texture. In Southeast Asia, it is a very popular food which is consumed by a lot of people. It also has many health benefits. If you want to know what is jasmine rice, continue reading to find out.
what is jasmine rice ?
So, what is jasmine rice? It is a long-grain fragrant rice which is primarily grown in Southeast Asian nations including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Long grain, fragrant rice comes in the form of jasmine rice. Its flavour is delicate and sweet, and its texture is slightly sticky. Jasmine rice has a lovely white tint when cooked. Thai and Vietnamese cuisine frequently employ jasmine rice. It can be served either simply or with fish, pork, or vegetables.
Originally reserved for the affluent and royal families, jasmine rice is now more generally accessible. Today, jasmine rice is farmed not just in California and Texas but also in many Southeast Asian nations.
History and origin
Now that you know what is jasmine rice, you should know it’s history and origin. In Thailand, where it is a staple food and perhaps of the best exporter, jasmine rice, frequently alluded to as “fragrant rice” and hom mali, was made during the 1950s. In spite of the fact that Westerners could all the more promptly distinguish it with popcorn, this long-grain rice has a specific smell that is supposed to be likened to that of the pandan plant. Its name comes from its tone, which looks like the jasmine bloom, as opposed to its fragrance.
A sort of rice from India that Indian merchants brought to Thailand led to jasmine rice. Following a hybrid of this sort and as of now existing Thai rice, neighbourhood ranchers delivered the jasmine rice that is natural to us today. A sort of rice delivered in northern Vietnam led to jasmine rice. During the Nguyen tradition in the eighteenth hundred years, the Vietnamese sent out this kind to Thailand, where Thai ranchers developed and further developed it to turn into the jasmine rice we know today.
Different types of jasmine rice
Thai Jasmine Rice
This variety of jasmine rice is the most well-known and extensively accessible. Its grain is long and slender, and it smells sweet. The slightly sticky texture of Thai jasmine rice when cooked makes it perfect for meals like stir-fries, curries, and rice-based sweets.
Brown jasmine rice
People who want to find out what is jasmine rice will be surprised to know that it is available in brown colour. It comes under the whole-grain kind. Compared to white jasmine rice, it tastes nuttier and is chewier. Although it takes longer to cook than white jasmine rice, it is a healthier alternative and goes well with stews, pilafs, and roasted vegetables.
Black jasmine rice
Black jasmine rice, also referred to as “forbidden rice,” is strikingly black when uncooked and turns a rich purple when cooked. It tastes mildly sweet and has a sticky consistency. Black jasmine rice is a great source of antioxidants and is frequently used in puddings, salads with rice as the base, and sweets.
Red Jasmine Rice
The pigments in the bran layers give red jasmine rice its reddish-brown colour. It has a chewy, solid texture and a nutty flavour. Red jasmine rice gives a lovely visual contrast to meals but takes longer to cook than white jasmine rice. It frequently appears in salads, hearty grain bowls, and pilafs.
Sticky Jasmine Rice
Because of its high starch content and tacky, chewy surface when cooked, sticky jasmine rice is additionally alluded to as glutinous jasmine rice or sweet jasmine rice. It is oftentimes utilised in Southeast Asian treats like Thai and mango sticky rice, as well as flavorful dinners like rice dumplings and sticky rice with mango.
Organic jasmine rice
If you are wondering what is jasmine rice and different types of it, organic Jasmine rice can be a healthy option for you. Organic Jasmine rice that has been farmed without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is referred to as organic jasmine rice. It is grown utilising organic agricultural methods.
Health benefits of jasmine rice
Besides knowing what is jasmine rice, it might be helpful for you to check out the health benefits of it.
Boosts immunity
Due to the presence of phytonutrients in it, jasmine rice is something that you should absolutely include in your diet as it helps to build immunity. It is a nutritious dietary choice. It is abundant in phytonutrients, which support immunity, protect body cells, and enhance general wellbeing. The anti-free radical antioxidants vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene are abundant in jasmine rice.
High in fiber
Brown jasmine rice is high in fiver which is good for digestion. Compared to other rice varieties, brown jasmine rice is less processed and nevertheless retains a lot of its nutritional value. This also helps in bloating and keeps your body healthy and calm. It can also assist us in overcoming the issue of constipation because of the fiber.
Rich in iron
In addition to helping cells manufacture energy and supplying our tissues with oxygen, iron is a critical element needed to strengthen our immune system. Iron-rich jasmine rice can aid in our body’s ability to produce red blood cells. Anaemia, a disorder that can cause symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, etc., is brought on by a lack of iron.
Promotes healthy pregnancy
Folic acid, a manufactured form of folate (nutrient B9), can be found in jasmine rice. Folic acid utilization is pivotal during pregnancy since it could essentially affect the child’s development. The right advancement of the heart and veins of the creating baby can be supported by the mother’s body having an adequate number of levels of folic acid.
