Basmati and Varieties
Heritage
In the province of west Punjab, the delta of Rivers Ravi and Chenab has been gifted by nature with special alluvial clayey soil which irrigated by perennial waters of these rivers nurtured by monsoons, gives birth to the finest Basmati Rice. With its aroma, elongation and fluffiness upon cooking, it is in this delta that Basmati Rice is grown for centuries, which is not only the folklore of Punjab but also is the heritage of Pakistan.
All Basmati varieties being grown in Pakistan have long slender grains, pleasant aroma, linear elongation of twice of its grain size and soft dry fluffy texture upon cooking. In Pakistan Basmati Rice varieties are classified into the following two main categories:-
Extra Long Grain Basmati Varieties
In recent years, a new variety called Kainat-1121 was introduced to the farmers. This is the off-shoot of Basmati variety having an average grain length of 8.30 mm – 8.35 mm. This variety is fast becoming popular in the Middle East and beyond due to its unique length, linear elongation and overall outstanding cooking results.
Long Grain Basmati Varieties
These are the commercially second best varieties after Extra Long Grain Varieties and have an average grain length from 6.60 mm – 6.80 mm. At present PK-386 Rice is the most commonly grown variety here and possesses all the inherent characteristics of Basmati Rice mentioned above. With aging it attains the same linear elongation and aroma as Super Basmati and is much affordable viz. a viz. Super Basmati.