Basmati is a long-grain rice from India, considered to be one of the best-quality white rices. It has a distinctive aroma and, when cooked, each grain should remain separate, giving a light, fluffy result. It is the perfect accompaniment to Indian curries and is used in biriyani and pilaf dishes.

Basmati is a long, skinny rice and shares the long grain group with jasmine and American long grain. It retains its individual non-sticky grains which allow sauces to coat well. It can be either brown or white with the brown variety having a deeper flavor.