Basmati rice, often called the “King of Rice,” is a premium long-grain variety renowned for its distinct aroma and exceptional elongation during cooking. Grown primarily in the Indo-Gangetic plains beneath the Himalayan sub-ranges, this geographically indexed grain benefits from alluvial soil and Himalayan minerals . The following comprehensive guide provides detailed technical and common specifications for major basmati rice varieties based on current industry standards, helping distributors, chefs, and consumers make informed decisions about these culinary treasures that form a staple food for much of the world’s population while offering high nutritional value and gluten-free properties .
1 1121 Steam Basmati Rice
1.1 Technical Specifications
- Grain Length: 8.3-8.4 mm uncooked, making it one of the world’s longest grains
- Moisture Content: Maximum 12%
- Broken Grains: 1% maximum
- Purity: 95% minimum
- Processing Method: Steam processing where steam passes through paddy grains before drying and milling, resulting in a harder surface that prevents breaking during cooking
- Sortex Cleaning: 100% Sortex cleaned, well milled, and polished
- Damage/Discoloration: Nil
1.2 Common Specifications
- Cooking Characteristics: Grains remain distinct and fluffy after cooking with non-sticky texture
- Aroma: Delicate fragrance that enhances culinary experience
- Culinary Applications: Ideal for biryani, fried rice, and pulao
- Physical Characteristics: Very long grain (8.5-9mm) with slender appearance
- Origin: Sourced from snow-fed valleys with optimal growing conditions
2 1121 Creamy Sella Basmati Rice
2.1 Technical Specifications
- Grain Length: Average 8.40 mm
- Moisture Content: 12.0% maximum
- Broken Grains: 0.5% to 1.0% maximum
- Purity: 95%
- Discolored/Damaged Grains: 0.5% maximum
- Immature Grains: 2.0% maximum
- Whiteness: 32.0% minimum
- Foreign Matter: Nil
2.2 Common Specifications
- Processing Method: Parboiled (sella) process where paddy is soaked in water, dried, and then milled, which retains nutrients inside the grain
- Packaging Options: Available in jute bags, PP bags, non-woven bags, or according to buyer’s preference
- Color: Characteristic creamy appearance due to parboiling process
- Texture: Firm grains that hold shape well during cooking
- Culinary Uses: Excellent for traditional dishes requiring separate, non-sticky grains
3 1121 Golden Sella Basmati Rice
3.1 Technical Specifications
- Grain Length: 8.30 mm average
- Elongation: 15.00 mm after cooking
- Moisture Content: Under 12.5%
- Broken Grain: Under 1%
- Pin Broken: Under 2%
- Damage/Discolor Grain: Under 1%
- Immature Grain: Under 2%
- Purity: 92.00% minimum
- Kett (Golden): 20-22 value
- Foreign Matter: Nil
3.2 Common Specifications
- Processing Method: Parboiled (sella) with characteristic golden hue
- Packaging Options: PP Bag, Non-Woven Bag, Jute Bag, BOPP Bag, or Plastic Pouch
- Supply Capacity: 2000 tons per week
- Export Markets: USA, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Turkey
- Culinary Attributes: Excellent elongation, aromatic fragrance, and non-sticky after cooking
4 1121 Raw Basmati Rice
4.1 Technical Specifications
- Grain Length: 8.3-8.35 mm
- Moisture Content: 12-12.5% maximum
- Broken Grains: 1% maximum
- Purity: 95% minimum
- Damage/Discoloration: 1% maximum
- Immature Grains: 1% maximum
- Foreign Matter: Nil
4.2 Common Specifications
- Grain Characteristics: World’s longest grain before and after cooking, with 30% more volume than other basmati varieties
- Quality Attributes: Unique aroma, special sweet taste, and high nutritional value
- Packaging Options: Jute bag, PP bag, Non-woven bag or as per buyer’s choice
- Supply Capacity: 2000 tons per week
- Export Markets: Europe, USA, Australia, Middle Eastern, and African countries
Table: Comparison of 1121 Basmati Rice Varieties
| Specification | 1121 Steam | 1121 Creamy Sella | 1121 Golden Sella | 1121 Raw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grain Length (mm) | 8.3-8.4 | 8.40 | 8.30 | 8.3-8.35 |
| Moisture (%) | 12 Max | 12 Max | 12.5 Max | 12.5 Max |
| Broken Grains (%) | 1 Max | 0.5-1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max |
| Purity (%) | 95 Min | 95 | 92 Min | 95 Min |
| Processing Method | Steam | Parboiled | Parboiled | Raw |
| Key Characteristic | Non-sticky, fluffy | Nutrient-retained, creamy | Golden hue, aromatic | Elongates most, sweet taste |
5 Super Kernel Basmati Rice
5.1 Technical Specifications
- Grain Length: 7.00-7.20 mm average
- Moisture Content: 13% maximum
- Broken Grains: 2% maximum
- Polishing Grade: Double/Silky Polished
- Chalky Grains: 3% maximum
- Foreign Grains: 0.2% maximum
- Foreign Matter: 0.1% maximum
- Paddy Grain: 0.2% maximum
- Under-milled & Red-striped: 2% maximum
5.2 Common Specifications
- Quality Recognition: Often referred to as “King of rice“
- Growing Regions: Exclusively grown in Pakistan and India
- Physical Attributes: Long grain, slender shape, distinct aroma
- Culinary Performance: Attractive look, extraordinary cooking result, overwhelming fragrance
- Popularity: Hugely popular in the Subcontinent and around the world
6 Super Kernel Sella Basmati Rice
6.1 Technical Specifications
- Grain Length: 7.0-7.2 mm
- Moisture Content: 13.0%
- Broken Grains: 2.0%
- Damaged, Shriveled & Yellow: 1.5% maximum
- Contrasting Varieties: 7.0% maximum
- Foreign Grains: 0.2% maximum
- Foreign Matter: 0.1% maximum
- Paddy Grain: 0.2% maximum
- Under-milled & Red-striped: 2.0% maximum
6.2 Common Specifications
- Variety Type: Parboiled version of Super Kernel Basmati
- Processing Method: Sella (parboiled) processing for enhanced nutrient retention
- Quality Assurance: Undergoes rigorous quality control measures
- Sourcing: Sourced directly from trusted suppliers
- Price Position: Affordable pricing while maintaining premium quality
- Culinary Applications: Ideal for biryani, pilaf, and other fragrant dishes
Table: Super Kernel Basmati Rice Specifications Comparison
| Parameter | Super Kernel Basmati | Super Kernel Sella |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Length | 7.00-7.20 mm | 7.0-7.2 mm |
| Moisture Content | 13% Max | 13.0% |
| Broken Grains | 2% Max | 2.0% |
| Polishing | Double/Silky Polished | Similar quality standard |
| Foreign Matter | 0.1% Max | 0.1% Max |
| Processing Type | Raw | Parboiled (Sella) |
| Key Feature | “King of rice”, distinct aroma | Nutrient-retained, firm texture |
7 1509 White Sella Basmati Rice
7.1 Technical Specifications
Note: Comprehensive technical specifications for 1509 White Sella Basmati Rice were not explicitly available in the provided search results. This variety may share some characteristics with other sella varieties but with potentially shorter grain length.
7.2 Common Specifications
- Processing Method: Parboiled (sella) process where nutrients are soaked into the grain
- Color: White appearance compared to golden varieties
- Culinary Properties: Non-sticky, separate grains when cooked
- Market Availability: Widely exported to international markets
8 1509 Steamed Basmati Rice
8.1 Technical Specifications
Note: Detailed technical specifications for 1509 Steamed Basmati Rice were not explicitly available in the provided search results. This variety would typically feature specifications similar to other steamed basmati varieties but with grain characteristics specific to the 1509 variety.
8.2 Common Specifications
- Processing Method: Steam processing similar to 1121 Steam Basmati Rice
- Grain Characteristics: Shorter grain length compared to 1121 variety
- Cooking Properties: Quick cooking, non-sticky texture
- Commercial Use: Popular in both domestic and international markets
9 Super Fine Rice
9.1 Technical Specifications
Note: Detailed technical specifications for Super Fine Rice were not available in the provided search results. This category may refer to a premium grade of various basmati or long-grain rice varieties with stricter quality parameters.
9.2 Common Specifications
- Quality Grade: Typically represents premium selection with minimal broken grains
- Grain Uniformity: High consistency in grain size and shape
- Market Position: Often positioned as high-end product in market segments
10 PK-386 Long Grain Rice
10.1 Technical Specifications
Note: Comprehensive technical specifications for PK-386 Long Grain Rice were not available in the provided search results. This variety is likely a specific cultivar of long-grain rice, potentially developed for particular growing conditions or market preferences.
10.2 Common Specifications
- Grain Characteristics: Long grain variety, potentially shorter than basmati types
- Genetic Profile: Specific cultivar developed through rice breeding programs
- Growing Regions: Likely cultivated in Pakistan (inferred from “PK” designation)
11 Supri Sella Rice
11.1 Technical Specifications
Note: Detailed technical specifications for Supri Sella Rice were not available in the provided search results. This variety likely represents a parboiled long-grain rice with specific quality attributes.
11.2 Common Specifications
- Processing Method: Parboiled (sella) processing technique
- Product Range: May be available in different quality grades
- Market Availability: Exported to various international markets
Nutritional and Quality Considerations
Across all basmati rice varieties, several nutritional benefits and quality characteristics are consistently observed:
- Nutritional Value: Basmati rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing 365 calories per 100g serving. It contains 80g total carbohydrates, 7g protein, and 1g fat per 100g, making it a low-fat, low-cholesterol food option .
- Health Benefits: Naturally gluten-free, low in salt, and contains no additives or preservatives. Some varieties contain resistant starch that promotes healthy bowel function .
- Aging Process: Like wine, basmati rice improves with age. It is typically aged from 1-2 years to enhance taste, aroma, and cooking characteristics, and can be stored for up to 10 years under proper conditions .
- Geographical Indication: Authentic basmati rice is geographically indexed to specific regions of the Indian sub-continent, including areas in India and Pakistan .
Packaging and Export Standards
The basmati rice industry offers flexible packaging options to meet diverse market needs:
- Standard Packaging Weights: Available in 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg, 25kg, 35kg, 38kg, 39kg, 40kg, 45kg, 50kg, and 90kg options
- Packaging Materials: Jute/Hessian bags, cotton bags, PP bags, BOPP laminated bags, and PE bags
- Customization: Special packaging according to customer requirements is widely available
- Container Capacity: Standard 20-foot containers typically hold 24 metric tons of packaged basmati rice
Conclusion
The diverse varieties of basmati rice cater to different culinary applications, market preferences, and budget considerations. The 1121 series represents the longest grain options with superior elongation and aroma characteristics, while Super Kernel varieties offer a balance of quality and affordability. The processing method—whether raw, steamed, or sella (parboiled)—significantly influences the rice’s cooking properties, nutritional profile, and shelf life.
When selecting basmati rice, consider the technical specifications such as grain length, moisture content, and percentage of broken grains alongside common specifications including aroma, elongation potential, and preferred culinary uses. This comprehensive understanding of basmati rice varieties will enable informed decisions for both commercial procurement and personal consumption, ensuring optimal satisfaction with this prized culinary ingredient renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive characteristics.