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The fragrant treasures of India: What's the secret of basmati rice?
Basmati rice is a long-grain fragrant rice whose unique aroma and flavor make it an essential ingredient in many cultures. This rice is traditionally cultivated mainly in specific regions of India and Pakistan and is favored by the international market for its unique characteristics. According to a 2019 report, India accounts for 65% of the global basmati rice trade, while Pakistan accounts for the remaining 35%. The name of this rice is derived from the Hindi word "bāsmatī", which means "aromatic", which reflects its characteristics.
"The aroma and taste of basmati rice occupies an important position on the dining tables in many regions."
The history and origin of basmati rice
The cultivation of basmati rice has a long history and it is believed that this rice has been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent for centuries. The earliest literary reference to basmatimi dates back to 1766, when it was mentioned in the famous Punjabi poem "Hir and Renja". In local culture, basmati rice is not only an ingredient, but also a symbol of tradition.
"Basmati rice is not only an ingredient, but also a symbol of culture."
Production and cultivation
India accounts for more than 70% share in global basmati rice production. However, the production of this rice is not limited to traditional methods, as more and more farmers are also experimenting with organic cultivation. Organizations such as Kheti Virasat Mission are actively promoting the growth of organic basmati rice in the Punjab region of India.
In India, the GI areas of Basmati rice are mainly concentrated in Uttarakhand, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Delhi, West Pradesh, Orissa and Cha Mo. The unique climate and soil conditions of these regions provide an ideal environment for the growth of basmati rice.
"In these unique geographical environments, the flavor of basmati rice is perfectly developed."
The aroma and flavor of basmati rice
Basmati rice is known for its unique "pandan" flavor, which is derived from an aroma compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Basmati rice contains about 12 times more of this compound than other rice types, allowing it to retain its unique aroma after cooking. So, how does this aroma affect the way rice cooks?
"Soaking for half an hour can shorten the cooking time by 20% and preserve the aroma."
International market for basmati rice
With the progress of globalization, basmati rice is increasingly favored by the international market. In India, during 2015-2016, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates became the largest export destinations, with their exports accounting for more than 50% of India's total exports. Based on data from 2015-2016, the value of basmati rice exported by India reached US$3.4 billion. From 2018 to 2021, the annual export volume exceeded US$4 billion.
In Pakistan, almost all basmati rice production occurs in the Punjab province, where total basmati rice production in 2010 was 2.47 million metric tons, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Export volume in 2020 reached 890,000 tons, with a total value of approximately US$790 million. Basmati rice is in huge demand in Europe and accounts for 40% of Pakistan’s export share.
"Basmati rice is no longer just a patent for India and Pakistan in today's globalized world."
Certification and Intellectual Property
To protect the brand and uniqueness of basmati rice, India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Agency (APEDA) registered basmati rice as a Geographical Indication (GI) product in 2016. There is also an authentication system called the Basmati Mark, which uses DNA fingerprinting technology to ensure the authenticity of the product.
However, as the price of basmati rice rises, counterfeiting is a growing problem. Some unscrupulous merchants will mix other rice varieties into basmati rice to make illegal profits. According to reports, the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom discovered that about half of basmati rice was adulterated in 2005, which made the industry begin to pay attention to the authenticity of basmati rice.
Future challenges and opportunities
As the world pays more attention to healthy diet, basmati rice, as a grain with unique aroma and rich nutrition, is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. However, how to ensure the quality of every grain of basmati rice and avoid the impact of counterfeit products will become the focus of future industry development. For basmati rice producers and consumers, the battle over aroma and quality is still ongoing.
In this fragrant land, when will the story of Basmati rice usher in a new chapter?
