The name of the Indian rice that exudes a sweet, delightful smell when cooked derives from the Hindi word basmati, meaning fragrant. In English the word first appeared in 1845 in a dictionary of Indian terms intended to help members of the British Raj adjust to their new and unfamiliar surroundings.
A long-grained scented rice originating in the foothills of the Himalayas in India. Easily digestible and nutritious.
Basmati rice, a long-grain rice variety that boasts both fragrance and flavor, is a popular staple in Indian cuisine, often paired with curries. Although not as commonly found as other types of rice, it is available in specialty food stores throughout the United States.