Basmati Rice for Your Recipes – Raw, Steam & Sella

Introduction

Basmati rice is a household favorite across the globe, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Its long grains, fluffy texture, and rich aroma make it the first choice for everything from royal biryanis to simple steamed rice.

But if you’ve ever walked down a rice aisle or searched for basmati rice online, you’ll notice three main types: Raw Basmati, Steam Basmati, and Sella Basmati rice. At first glance, they might look similar—but each type is processed differently and has its own unique cooking behavior.

At Ananta Aahaar, a trusted basmati rice exporter in India, we believe that understanding these differences helps home cooks, chefs, and caterers choose the perfect rice for their kitchen needs.

What Is Raw Basmati Rice?

Raw Basmati rice is the purest form of basmati, de-husked and milled without parboiling or steaming. It retains most of its natural aroma and delicate structure.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Off-white, slightly opaque

• Texture: Soft, fluffy, slightly sticky if overcooked

• Cooking time: Quickest among the three

• Aroma: Strong, especially when aged

Best Used For:

• Daily meals – plain rice, jeera rice, lemon rice

• Lightly spiced pulao & curries

• Home kitchens where fragrance and softness matter

Perfect for families who want authentic aromatic basmati rice with minimal cooking effort.

What Is Steam Basmati Rice?

Steam Basmati rice is processed by steaming the paddy before milling. This helps the grains retain nutrients while becoming stronger and more polished.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Bright white, polished

• Texture: Fluffy, separate, non-sticky

• Cooking time: Medium

• Aroma: Moderate

Best Used For:

• Vegetable pulao, fried rice, tomato rice

• Catering & restaurants – easy to handle, consistent results

• Great balance between aroma and firm texture

Ideal for those who want versatility and durability in their cooking.

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What Is Sella Basmati Rice?

Also known as parboiled basmati rice, Sella rice undergoes a unique process of soaking, parboiling, and drying before milling. This makes the grains firm, golden in color, and highly durable.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Pale yellow / golden grains

• Texture: Very firm, long, and separate

• Cooking time: Longest among the three

• Aroma: Mild but pleasant

Best Used For:

• Biryani and festive dishes – grains stay separate and long

• Large-scale catering & hotels – withstands reheating and bulk cooking

• Buffet setups – remains firm for hours without getting mushy

The ultimate choice for biryani rice suppliers, caterers, and hotels.

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Nutritional Differences

• Raw Basmati Rice: High aroma, fragile, retains natural nutrients

• Steam Basmati Rice: Balanced nutrition + stronger grain

• Sella Basmati Rice: Higher resistant starch, low glycemic index, good for diabetics

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Basmati Rice Types – Quick Comparison

Feature

• Raw Basmati Rice: White / off-white, strong aroma, soft & fluffy texture, cooks fast. Best for daily meals like plain rice, jeera rice, or light pulao. Shelf life: Moderate.

• Steam Basmati Rice: Bright white, medium aroma, fluffy & separate grains, medium cooking time. Best for pulao, fried rice, or tomato rice. Shelf life: High.

• Sella Basmati Rice: Golden / yellowish, mild aroma, firm long non-sticky grains, longest cooking time. Best for biryani, catering, and buffets. Shelf life: Very high.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Home Cooks: Raw Basmati – quick, fragrant, easy for everyday use

• One-Pot Meals (Pulao/Fried Rice): Steam Basmati – reliable grain separation

• Biryani & Festive Cooking: Sella Basmati – non-sticky, perfect for layering

• Hotels & Caterers: Sella Basmati – durable, long shelf life, ideal for buffets

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Cooking Tips

• Raw Basmati: Rinse well, soak 20–30 mins, 1:2 ratio water

• Steam Basmati: Light rinse, soak 15 mins, 1:1.75 water ratio

• Sella Basmati: Long soak (30–45 mins), cook with 1:2.25 ratio

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Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the aromatic charm of Raw Basmati, the versatile reliability of Steam rice, or the biryani-perfect firmness of Sella Basmati, each type has its place in the kitchen.

At Ananta Aahaar, we proudly supply premium basmati rice exports from India to Asia-Pacific, Caribbean, and beyond, ensuring that global families and chefs experience the true taste of authentic Indian rice.

Explained: By Ananta Aahaar – Premium Basmati Rice Exporters in India