With the diversity in culture and natural conditions among regions, rice is classified into long, medium, and short grain, in which long and short grain rice are widely traded. People usually compare long grain rice vs short grain rice to see the differences between them.
Contents
Overview of types of rice and the world’s rice industry
There are many rice types, which are distinguished based on numerous criteria. In terms of length, rice is divided into 3 main types: long grain rice, medium grain rice, and short grain rice.
3 types of long grain rice, medium-grain rice, and short-grain rice
Generally, long grain rice is more than 6.61 mm long, while the length of short grain rice is under 5.50mm. In addition, long grain rice is drier than short grain rice due to differences in starch content.
Rice market size is expanding. According to the World Agricultural Organization (FAO), world rice production reached 508.4 million tons in 2020, increasing by 1.52% compared to 2019. Although the Covid19 pandemic has had negative impacts on the global economy, rice production and consumption keep increasing.
Read more: Interesting differences between brown rice and white rice
What is Long Grain Rice
- Appearance: Long grain rice is a type of rice with thinner and elongated grains, usually 3-5 times longer than its width.
- Aroma: light
- Texture: Due to Amylose starch content, long grain rice has a dry texture with relatively low adhesion ability. When it cooks up, long grain rice’s texture is fluffy and light. The grains are flexible even though they are cooled down.
- Indian and European people enjoy famous dishes made from long grain rice such as Kumbh Pulao, Risotto, and Baked Beans with Buttered Rice.
Long Grain Rice
Read more: Distinguishing basmati rice from jasmine rice
What is Short Grain Rice
- Appearance: Short grain rice has a round and plump shape, which is under 5.5mm long.
- Flavor: savory and sweet
- Texture: Short grain rice contains Amylopectin; therefore, the stickiness of the rice is the best compared to other types when cooking.
- Many Asian countries have used short grain rice and created famous dishes such as Chinese Fried Rice, Sushi, Quick Spanish Rice, Thai Coconut Rice, etc.
Short Grain Rice
The Difference Between Long Grain Rice and Short Grain Rice
5 following criteria are usually used to make a comparison between long grain rice and short grain rice.
Appearance
- Long Grain Rice: This type of rice is usually longer than 6mm and has thin, long grains.
- Short Grain Rice: These grains are shorter than 5.2mm and are rounder and thicker.
Long grain rice and Short grain rice
Taste
- Long Grain Rice: It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor, making it good for many different dishes.
- Short Grain Rice: It tastes sweeter and richer because it has more starch. This makes it perfect for dishes that need a sticky texture and stronger flavor.
Texture
- Long Grain Rice: This rice remains separate and fluffy whenever cooked or let cold.
- Short Grain Rice: This rice becomes soft and sticked together when cooked, especially when cold due to its starch content.
Uses
- Long Grain Rice: Ideal for pilafs, fried rice, and other dishes where a non-sticky texture is preferred.
- Short Grain Rice: Suitable for dishes that require a creamy or sticky texture like sushi, sticky rice and risotto.
Different uses of long grain rice and short grain rice
Benefits
- Long Grain Rice: This rice is easy to digest and has a low glycemic index (GI) which is beneficial for blood sugar control.
- Short Grain Rice: This type of rice provides high energy sources, and essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals that help your body stay healthy.
Price
The prices of long grain and short grain rice can vary based on the type and quality of the rice. High-quality varieties like Arborio, Basmati, and Vietnam ST25, ST24 rice tend to be more expensive, while other types can be cheaper. Moreover, other factors such as production methods, rice freshness, and broken rate can also affect rice prices.
Below is a table showing the updated prices for various long grain and short grain rice varieties. This information may help you understand the current market trends and make informed choices.
| Long Grain Rice | Short Grain Rice |
| Basmati Rice: $830 – $910/ton | Sushi Rice: $400 – $600/ton |
| Jasmine Rice: $600 – $650/ton | Japonica: $600 – $650/ton |
| Vietnam ST25, ST24: $1000 – $1150/ton | Arborio Rice: $4000 – $4200/ton |
Commercial Potentials of Long Grain Rice and Short Grain Rice
Despite the difference between long grain and short grain rice, a large volume of long grain rice vs short grain are consumed in many parts of the world. It can be said that both types of rice will bring valuable profit for retailers, traders, and wholesalers.
Commercial potentials of long grain rice and short grain rice
- Large-scale rice production
Growing areas of long grain rice and short grain rice are located in many countries, from Asia to the Americas. In particular, the high rate of long grain rice growth is recorded in Asia and North America. However, short grain rice is widely cultivated in Japan and China.
- Huge export volume
In 2018, long grain rice was recognized to be the most widely consumed food because of the considerable demand for exporting this rice type to many destinations. For example, jasmine and basmati are two representatives of long grain rice that are widely provided by reputable rice suppliers. Besides, many countries such as Australia, the United States, and Taiwan have spent significant expenditure on importing short grain rice from Japan and Korea.
- Easy preservation
Another strong point of trading long grain rice and short grain rice is that they are easy to preserve. For good preservation, the appropriate temperature is 40℉. If the rice is stored in dry and clean containers, it will last from 6 to 12 months in good condition.
Top 4 Long Grain Rice and Short Grain Rice Suppliers
If you are looking for a reliable source of long grain rice and short grain rice, here is the recommendation of top reputable companies supplying the two rice types.
K-Agriculture Factory
Based in Hanoi, K-Agriculture provides a stable source of long grain rice and short grain rice to over 80 countries over the world. Both rice types are grown by skillful farmers, and undergo a modern processing system. Besides, K-Agriculture Factory also provides many rice for wholesale such as high-quality white rice in bulk. As a result, it can be said that long grain rice and short grain rice from K-Agriculture meet strict standards and satisfy customer demands. Here is some key information about K-Agriculture:
- Established Year: 1996
- Main Products: K-Agriculture offers both long grain and short grain rice varieties, including ST25, ST24, Japonica, and Jasmine rice.
- Production Capacity: Offers large-scale production capabilities, particularly for high-quality rice products.
- Average Price: $600 – $700/ton.
- Strengths: Many options for long grain rice with high quality, expert in exporting rice to many markets like the US, Europe, Canada, and Africa.
- Weaknesses: Limited short grain rice range offers compared to its competitors
K-Agriculture CEO and staff with partners
Contact K-Agriculture now to get the best prices for rice via:
WhatsApp: +84855555837
Email: info@k-agriculture.com
Website: k-agriculture.com
RiceTec
Combining modern technologies into farming, RiceTec is the leading company of long grain rice and short grain rice in America. Products from this rice company are friendly to growers, beneficial for customers, and profitable for business people. Here is some key information about RiceTec:
- Established Year: 1988
- Main Products: Offers a variety of rice types and rice seeds
- Production Capacity: Produce large quantities of hybrid rice and rice seeds with high-quality
- Average Price: Starting around $700/ton
- Strengths: Innovates in rice genetics, producing varieties that offer higher productivity.
- Weaknesses: Hybrid rice may not appeal to traditional rice markets or consumers seeking organic options.
Top companies of long grain rice and short grain rice
J.K. Seeds
J.K. Seeds is an Indian company providing short and long grain rice, with 35-year operations. The company focuses on sustainable development with high-quality goods. Here is some key information about J.K. Seeds:
- Established Year: 1989
- Main Products: Offers many types of long grain and short grain rice.
- Production Capacity: Produces a variety of rice types
- Average Price: $600 – $800/ton
- Strengths: Offers a wide range of seed products for rice cultivation.
- Weaknesses: Not as well-known as larger brands in the industry.
Riceland
Located in Missouri and Arkansas, Riceland is a major exporter of rice. in particular, long grain rice and short grain rice. Each year, the company distributes a huge quantity of rice to 75 nations. Here is some key information about Riceland:
- Established Year: 1921
- Main Products: Focuses on both long-grain and medium-grain rice, including popular varieties like jasmine and basmati.
- Production Capacity: One of the largest rice producers in the U.S. with many large processing facilities.
- Average Price: $500 – $700/ton.
- Strengths: Strong brand recognition and wide distribution channels.
- Weaknesses: Lack of competitive advantages compared to rice brands that focus on higher quality or unique rice types.
These are the top 4 best long grain and short grain rice suppliers from all over the world. Hope you enjoy and find this article helpful!
