Basmati rice is a long-grain, fragrant rice that is traditionally grown in India and Pakistan. The name “basmati” origins from the Hindi word for “full of aroma,” The rice is known for its nutty flavor and delicate texture. Basmati rice has been grown in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, and it is mentioned in ancient Indian texts dating back to the 13th century.
Basmati rice was traditionally grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the cool temperatures and high altitude provided ideal growing conditions. In the 19th century, the British began exporting basmati rice to other parts of the world, and it quickly gained popularity as a delicacy.
Today, India and Pakistan are the largest producers of premium basmati rice, although it is also grown in other countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Australia. In 1997, India and Pakistan jointly applied for and were granted Geographical Indication status for basmati rice, which means that only rice grown in certain specific regions and meeting certain criteria can be labeled as “basmati.”