Talking about rice varieties, we must mention Jasmine rice. It is considered as a valuable and high-quality rice variety belonging to the long grain rice line and it is exported in large quantities around the world, including demanding markets such as America or Europe…
Contents
- 1 Introduction about long grain rice
- 2 Introduction about Jasmine rice
- 3 Comparison of some characteristics between jasmine rice vs other long grain rice
- 4 Is jasmine rice easy to confuse with other long grain rice varieties?
- 5 Why should rice wholesalers choose jasmine rice?
- 6 Export situation of jasmine rice in 2021 (in Southeast Asia)
- 7 Suppliers in Vietnam
Introduction about long grain rice
Long grain rice is one of the most popular rice varieties in the world, considered as a staple food in most cuisines not only of Asian and African people but also in Western countries such as the US, Europe…
Definition of long grain rice
True to its name, it is called long grain rice because of its own long, elongated shape. So based on what criteria to verify long grain rice?
Generally, rice is graded according to the size of the grain. Based on the average length (in mm) and based on the length-to-width ratio of the rice grain (to calculate this, divide the average length of the grain by the average width), rice is mainly divided into 3 groups: long grain rice, medium-grain rice, and short-grain rice.
Let’s take a look at the parameters, size ratio (given by agricultural experts), and description of each grain to clearly distinguish the 3 major rice groups.
| Long grain rice | Medium grain rice | Short grain rice | |
| Average length | from 6.0 mm or more | 5.2mm – 6.0mm | not exceeding 5.2 mm |
| Length-to-width ratio | approx 4-5 or more | approx 2-3 | less than 2 |
| Appearance | long, slender | short and wider than long grain type | short, plump, almost round kernel |
Comparison of long grain rice, medium-grain rice, and short-grain rice
Comparison of long grain rice, medium-grain rice, and short-grain rice
In conclusion, long grain rice is a rice type with the following characteristics:
- Rice length: 6.0mm or more
- The size ratio of grain: the length is 4-5 times the width (in general)
- Shape: elongated, slim
- Grains stay separate after cooking
There are many different varieties of long grain rice, each with its own shape and characteristics. And when cooked in rice, certainly each type has a different flavor. The nutrition of long grain rice is rich that impresses customers.
Types of long grain rice
There are a lot of varieties of long grain rice that are grown and produced in many regions of the world.
But in general, the well-known varieties of long-grain rice are American long-grain white and brown rice, Basmati rice, Jasmine rice, (and some other common white rice).
Jasmine rice is primarily grown and produced in Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia). Basmati rice is traditionally grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. American long grain rice is produced mainly in the southern United States.
Among the types of long grain rice, jasmine rice and basmati rice are the two most popular, widely grown, and produced rice, with large consumption in many countries around the world. And these two types of rice are also quite similar, from the shape, scent to the taste of rice. Therefore, some countries use them interchangeably.
Introduction about Jasmine rice
Long grain rice is one of the most popular rice varieties in the world, considered as a staple food in most cuisines not only of Asian and African people but also in Western countries such as the US, Europe…
What is Jasmine rice?
Jasmine rice is common fragrant rice belonging to the long grain rice variety. The grains are long, clear, and shiny-white in color. The rice is soft, flexible, and delicious with a natural jasmine scent.
Named after the jasmine flower but the rice has a pandan-like aroma. In addition, some types also have a natural fragrance of pandan leaves or popcorn. Jasmine rice has a short growing period (approximately 95-105 days).
This rice has moisture, so it softens when cooked and has a little sweet taste. Cooked rice is fragrant and sticky, although it is less sticky than glutinous rice.
Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice is a popular rice type, grown and produced in many countries, traditionally in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia.
Jasmine rice is a type of long grain rice. Because it is characterized by a long, slim grain, the length is significantly greater than the width of the grain. These are also common features of long-grain rice varieties. Long grain rice has many varieties such as American long grain rice, Basmati rice, jasmine rice, long grain brown rice… but among them, jasmine rice is known to be valuable in many aspects such as nutritional value, economic and export value.
For jasmine rice wholesalers, it is necessary to learn carefully about the characteristics of this rice because they are quite similar to long-grain white rice and also very similar to Basmati rice. If we look at the outer shape of the rice grain, it is often easy to recognize which is long grain rice (usually grains have a lengthy shape). But for identifying the type of jasmine rice among long grain rice varieties, just looking at the grain’s appearance, it is not sure to recognize it correctly.
Origin of Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice is said to have originated in Thailand. However, this rice variety has also been cultivated and produced for a long time in other Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. In Vietnam, the jasmine rice variety was also grown hundreds of years ago and now is widely produced throughout the Mekong Delta provinces.
Jasmine rice is called “Khao hom mali” in Thailand. In Vietnam’s jasmine rice is called “Huong Lai” rice. In Cambodia, this rice is named “phka rumduol”.
Types of Jasmine rice
Jasmine rice comes in two varieties, white jasmine rice and brown jasmine rice, but white rice is more commonly known. The difference between them that is very easy to spot is simply the color.
White jasmine rice, like most common white rice, because the outer bran layer and hull of the rice are removed during the milling process, it becomes white. Brown jasmine rice is the grain that still has the bran layer on it.
Not only jasmine rice but also other types of rice, whole grain rice after being husked will become brown rice, brown rice continues to be removed bran layer and milled to become white rice. White rice has a nicer color and cooked rice will be softer and sweeter than brown rice. However, brown rice because of the rice bran layer that contains more nutrients than white rice, it is often chosen as rice for diet.
Comparison of some characteristics between jasmine rice vs other long grain rice
| Standard | Long grain rice | ||
| Jasmine | Basmati | White long grain rice | |
| Shape | Long and rounded at the grain tips | Extra-long, very thin, and somewhat pointed at the ends | Long, slender, and clear |
| Length | 6,8-7 mm | 8-9 mm | 6,0 mm or more |
| Aroma | Aromatic, with a natural scent similar to jasmine aroma. | Aromatic, with a naturally nutty taste and a floral smell | Sightly or not fragrant |
| Taste | Nutty, but not as much as basmati rice | Nutty | Soft, slightly aromatic and a bit dry |
| Texture of cooking | Grains slightly cling together, flexible and sticky | Grains separate from each other, dry, expand 2-3 their size | Grains are commonly dry and separate |
Comparison between Jasmine Rice, Basmati and White Long Grain Rice
Jasmine rice, Bastima Rice & White long grain rice
- As you can see from the analytic table, based on the above criteria, jasmine rice, and basmati rice are quite similar in many characteristics, from appearance, aroma to nutritional composition. The biggest difference between them is the texture after cooking. Jasmine rice grains, after being cooked, are pliable and due to moisture, grains cling together. While basmati rice is very dry and fluffy. Therefore, jasmine rice is suitable for children and the elderly because it is soft, flexible, and easy to eat.
- Comparing the 3 types of rice, jasmine and basmati rice will be healthier than other common long grain white rice. Because white rice contains more sugar and calories. Jasmine rice contains more carbohydrates and calories than Basmati rice. This rice is ideal for providing energy for those who are bodybuilders or are active during the day. Eating jasmine rice also makes us feel full longer than other types of rice.
Is jasmine rice easy to confuse with other long grain rice varieties?
If you don’t have much knowledge about rice, you might confuse Jasmine rice with other types of long grain rice. Because in general, all kinds of long grain rice have an elongated shape with a clear white color. Only looking at the appearance of the rice grain, it is not certain to accurately identify the jasmine rice line. You may have to smell the aroma of rice, pay close attention to the color, or eat rice, etc… to be able to properly recognize jasmine rice.
Jasmine rice is most easily confused with Basmati rice, many people think of the two as one because they are not only similar in appearance but also similar in aroma and taste.
To be able to distinguish jasmine rice from some other types of long grain rice, the article will tell you a few tips below:
Distinguish jasmine rice from long grain rice in general
Jasmine rice has its own two distinct characteristics. They are aroma and texture after cooking. Therefore, you can base on two aspects to find out exactly which is jasmine rice.
Distinguish jasmine rice from long grain rice in general
Based on rice aroma
The most typical feature of jasmine rice is its unique aroma. Jasmine rice usually has a clearly natural aroma, similar to the scent of jasmine or pandan leaves. Not all long-grain rice has such fragrance. So, to know if it is jasmine rice or not, smell the rice first. If there is no fragrance or only a very faint scent, it is probably not jasmine rice.
Based on the stickiness of the rice
Jasmine rice, once cooked, will have moisture, so the grains clump together and are a bit pliable. The rice is fragrant and has a slightly sweet taste. As for common white long grain rice, the rice grains when cooked will be less sticky, often separate from each other, and taste not as sweet as jasmine rice.
Distinguish jasmine rice with basmati rice
Basmati rice versus Jasmine rice, as mentioned before, are very similar. These are considered to be two types of fragrant rice that stand out in the long grain rice line. However, they are not really the same, but have some differences to classify each other.
Distinguish jasmine rice with basmati rice
Origin
Jasmine rice is produced in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia – Southeast Asia region. Today, jasmine rice is considered the main food source of many countries around the world. Basmati rice is grown mainly in the foothills of the Himalayas in India and Pakistan.
Grain appearance
Both are long grain. However, the grain of jasmine rice is shorter and more rounded at the tips than the basmati rice which is longer, slimmer, and slightly pointed at the ends. Basmati rice is also called “extra long”.
Aroma and flavor
When cooked, jasmine rice is fragrant and has a slightly sweet taste. Basmati rice is more aromatic than jasmine rice, which means the scent of basmati rice is more strong.
Texture after cooking
This is an easy thing to distinguish between jasmine rice and Basmati rice. When cooked, the basmati rice grains expand, making their size larger. Basmati rice is usually separate and much drier than jasmine rice. While jasmine rice when cooked will have a little moisture and grains tend to cling together. Therefore, jasmine rice is more flexible than basmati rice.
Why should rice wholesalers choose jasmine rice?
The wholesale jasmine rice trade is always active since jasmine rice is one of the most widely favored types around the world. There are two main reasons for wholesalers choose jasmine rice to trade.
- Jasmine rice is more and more popular and exported to many international markets
Previously, only high-end markets like Europe, Americas imported fragrant rice and specialty rice, while Asian markets such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and China mainly imported ordinary rice with a broken rate of 15-25%. Currently, most of the markets have switched to importing 5% broken rice and fragrant rice, including Jasmine rice.
Many countries in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia… are also gradually shifting the export structure of rice, from mainly white rice to fragrant rice varieties like jasmine rice. Because of consumer preference, the high consumption volume and fragrant rice lines also bring great export value.
For example, in Vietnam, in 2020, the export value of jasmine rice accounts for the highest percentage (32.9%) of Vietnam’s total rice exports. While white rice is 32.5%; sticky rice is 29.5; Japonica rice is 4.8%; the rest are other rice varieties (Report of rice export data according to the Ministry of Agriculture of Vietnam).
- Moreover, the price of this rice is reasonable, suitable for the pocket of consumers in markets, thereby bringing profit and economic efficiency to wholesalers.
Jasmine rice, honestly, its quality and characteristics are not much inferior to other long grain rice varieties, but its own trade price is quite affordable.
Compared with other long grain rice like basmati rice for example, if you do your research on the market or check the prices on e-commerce platforms, you will find the jasmine rice price is quite cheaper. In general, the price of jasmine rice in the international market ranges from $200.00-$1,000.00 per ton (the specific price depends on the export price of each country). Meanwhile, the price of basmati rice is in the range of $450.00-$1,200.00 per ton (the specific price depends on the export price of each country).
Reasons for rice wholesalers to choose jasmine rice
Export situation of jasmine rice in 2021 (in Southeast Asia)
In Southeast Asia, the two leading countries in rice production and export are Thailand and Vietnam. In 2019, Thailand is still the leading country in Southeast Asia and the second in the world in terms of rice exports (after India). But by 2020, Vietnam has surpassed Thailand to become the largest rice exporter in Southeast Asia.
The exporting countries of Jasmine rice in Southeast Asia are usually Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia with extremely large quantities, in addition to the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Facing complex developments of the covid-19 pandemic, most countries in the world have to apply 4.0 technology and digital transformation for economic activities, including rice export. Many businesses and wholesalers of jasmine rice in Southeast Asian countries have turned to online business, carrying out rice export and import activities through major e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba, Go4Worldbusiness, LinkedIn, Amazon…
Regarding jasmine rice’s price, in general, the price of jasmine rice in Thailand is the highest compared to other countries in the region (ranging from $680 – $990/ton, depending on the grade of rice). Although the quality is not inferior to Thailand’s jasmine rice, the price of Vietnam is lower (about $580 – $800/ton, depending on rice grade). The export price of jasmine rice from Singapore is in the range of $500-$1,200/ton, which is quite expensive compared to others. Rice price in the Philippines is significantly lower, from $250 – $550/ton.
Suppliers in Vietnam
There are many factories and reputable rice exporting enterprises in Vietnam. But this article only mentions the top 3 largest rice suppliers in Vietnam.
K- Agriculture Factory
K-Agriculture is sponsored by the Trade Promotion Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade – is the highest national agency in charge of import, export, and industrial and commercial affairs of the country. Therefore, this business commits to bringing the best value products verified by the government for global buyers.
During 25 years of development, K-Agriculture has been the leading RICE – COFFEE – CASHEW – SPICES factory in Vietnam since 1996. In the next decade, it is forecasted to be a Top 10 Agriculture Company in Southeast Asia and top 100 Agriculture Experts in the world.
K-Agriculture provides effective solutions for Vietnamese agricultural products to reach global potential markets and millions of customers, providing the best purchases for them at the most affordable price.
K-Agriculture CEO and staff with partners
Contact for more information:
Email: info@k-agriculture.com
Telephone: +84855555694 (Ms. Evelyn – Sale Mangers of K-Agriculture Factory)
SUNRISE Foodstuff JSC
SUNRISE Foodstuff.JSC is a leading rice producer and exporter in Vietnam with more than 10 years of experience, has a trade network covering all regions of the world such as Africa, EU, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia…Their products are all kinds of high-quality Vietnamese rice, fresh vegetable, salt, and instant noodles. The enterprise has 2 rice milling factories: one in the Mekong Delta (the South of Vietnam) and the other in the Red River Delta (the North of Vietnam).
SUNRISE Foodstuff JSC
As a member of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), Sunrise wishes to contribute to increasing the value of Vietnamese rice grains and bring rice from the Mekong Delta to all corners of the world.
Vilaconic Joint Stock Company
Vilaconic owns a system of large-scale and modern rice milling and processing factories for export along with a system of very professional distribution warehouses to be able to meet a variety of customer needs about different types and production of rice from many major markets such as China, Russia, Africa, Taiwan…With the quality policy “Prestige – Efficiency”, orders are controlled at each stage, ensuring stable quality and timely delivery.
Vilaconic Joint Stock Company
Hopefully, through this article, we have brought you useful and necessary information about jasmine rice in particular and long grain rice in general. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
