1. In the Hindi language “Bas” means aroma and Mati means “full of”
2. Basmati is only grown in the Northern Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and parts of western Uttar Pradesh, Jammar and Kashmir
3. Only one crop of Basmati rice can be grown per year
4. 2.2 million tonnes of Basmati is exported to 100 countries every year
5. Basmati is unique in it’s characteristics of being exceptionally long and slender
6. The average volume expansion of Basmati rice is 3.5mm
7. The minimum cooked rice length is 12mm
8. Basmati rice is gluten free
9. Basmati rice is sodium, cholesterol and fat free
10. As well as boiled and steamed Basmati can also be ground for use in cooking. Take a look at a simple recipe for Chawal-E-Zohara here.