Basmati rice is a timeless favorite staple, as we all know, from any traditional event to a family gathering, all are incomplete without basmati. It comes in two famous varieties: white basmati and brown basmati rice. Many people are unaware of the actual difference and often appear confused at the time of purchase. But worry not, Habib Foods helps you to explore both varieties that come from the exact grain, but the processing, nutrients, and cooking of each are quite different from those of the others.
In the subcontinent, especially in India and Pakistan, basmati rice is cultivated for its long grain texture and unique aroma that no other rice offers. It makes basmati popular around the world and the first choice for rice lovers. In Pakistan, more than 20 varieties are grown, but basmati remains the most popular with its white and brown rice.
If you’re still confused about the significant differences between brown and white basmati, don’t worry. In this blog, I’ll help you understand the key differences that make brown basmati unique from white basmati and how each impacts your health differently due to their distinct nutritional values. So, without further ado, let’s explore white vs brown basmati rice.
White Basmati vs Brown Basmati Rice
White and brown basmati are both popular for their taste and aroma, but to achieve perfect quality brown and white rice basmati, you need to find a rice mill that produces high-quality rice like Habib Foods. Before getting quality rice, you must know what white basmati and brown basmati rice are:
White Rice Basmati
Without the bran, husk, and germ layers, White Rice Basmati is polished rice. After milling, you get a soft, fluffy, and aromatic grain that cooks easily in just 20 to 25 minutes. It’s a lightweight staple for your stomach and ideal for traditional dishes like biryani and pulao, thanks to its aroma. A beautiful long grain known as Basmati rice, this variety is ideally harvested in Punjab near the Ravi River, absorbing Himalayan salt, water, minerals, and more. However, since the bran layer is stripped away, it contains less fiber and nutrients compared to brown basmati rice.
Brown Basmati Rice
Just after removing the outer husk, the brown basmati rice, minimally processed, retains its bran and germ layers. It offers a slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor. Still, it provides more nutrition than any other rice, containing high fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier staple choice added to your food as complex carbohydrates. Although the cooking time is longer than that of basmati, it offers sustainable energy and better digestion, making it the right choice for a healthy lifestyle.
Key Differences Between White and Brown Basmati Rice
Processing
Without outer bran, husk, and germ layers after milling, you get white, smooth, polished basmati. On the other hand, after removing the husk, brown rice retains the bran and germ, which provide a light yellow layer and a pleasant, nutty flavor. It is less processed than white rice basmati.
Nutritional Value
Easy to digest and provides quick energy, but as we all know, polished and processed rice has less nutritional value than brown rice. Brown Basmati rice is a healthier choice, packed with dietary fiber, and offers vitamins B, magnesium, and iron, due to the enriched fiber from the bran and germ layers.
Glycemic Index (GI)
White Basmati gives you around 50 to 58 GI; the glycemic index increases blood sugar levels and is not beneficial for diabetes patients. In contrast, brown rice has a lower glycemic index, ranging from 40 to 50, making it a better choice for people who want to manage their blood sugar levels.
Texture and Taste
Soft, fluffy, and aromatic, white basmati is ideal for traditional dishes and is best for commercial cooking.
Brown rice offers a chewy, nutty flavor, takes longer to cook, and absorbs flavors differently.
Cooking Time
White basmati takes less cooking time, around 15 to 20 minutes, compared to brown basmati rice, which takes more time, about 35 to 45 minutes, because the intact bran layer is more nutritious and a healthier choice.
Shelf Life
White rice has a longer shelf life because the bran oil is removed, which prevents spoilage. Brown basmati rice contains natural oil in the bran that can go rancid if you can’t store it properly.
White or brown rice is a perfect option, but they have different nutritional values. The actual thing you must know before purchasing is that the quality of rice, which affects its price in Pakistan, varies among different rice suppliers, who offer various price points based on quality. To save costs and get quality rice, people look for a rice mill near me to find authentic, quality rice at cheaper prices. However, with Habib Foods, you don’t need to worry; you can enjoy premium quality brown, white, Sella, and more than 20 varieties available. You can easily select and get it according to your budget and preferences.
Price Of White And Brown Basmati Rice
Selecting rice is now much easier for you because you know all about the difference between white and brown basmati rice. The prices of both rice depend on their quality. In basmati rice, many qualities impact the rice, but if we only talk about brown and white rice, the processing has a bigger impact. Without the husk, bran, and germ layer, milling white rice offers higher prices compared to brown rice price in Pakistan because brown rice is less processed and still retains the bran and germ layer. There is no need for milling; just after removing the husk, it’s ready to be packed and delivered to your doorstep, offering complete nutrition for your every meal.
Final Words:
Finally, you are well aware of white and brown basmati rice . If you’re looking for a lighter option, then white basmati is perfect. However, if you want a nutritious dietary choice, then brown rice is the best and most affordable option. It provides more fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B, has a low glycemic index, supports digestion, and helps control blood sugar. Choose your ideal option between brown and white rice, but if you look carefully, brown is the winner.
