Monday 30 December 2013

Indian Rice Varieties, Export and Contribution to Indian Economy

Indian rice is the mother of all rice varieties produced in the world. The rice is known for its aromatic, premium quality, and as the most authentic and exotic food across the world following which India becomes its largest producer as well as exporter (second after China). Like wheat, rice production and exports contribute vitally to the Indian economy and help further the way for national revenue growth.

Rice is also the second largest consumed food in India (world also) after wheat. The food is in fact the most essential and routine part of every household’s platter when considered as a whole. No meal or cuisine is complete without rice in the country. besides, it is considered as the sacred food and is always a part of the offerings made to god and goddesses.

There are around 5000-6000+ varieties of Indian Rice cultivated in the country for the purpose of consumption and exports in the overseas markets. With the onset of the latest cultivation, procurement and irrigation techniques, the production and maintenance of premium quality rice varieties have become easier. Following this, the rice exports have observed a robust surge in the past few years.

India’s basmati rice is one of the most likened varieties in the overseas markets besides the regular white rice and non-basmati ones. Portended to ship record breaking 11 million tonnes of rice during the cycle of 2012-2013, the national economy is set to ride high on the growth of export revenues. Though the demand is likely to grow higher from the regular importers like Saudi Arabian countries, Europe, US & Canada and other parts of the world, Iran has specifically led to rise in rice exports due to being the largest importer of basmati rice.

Owing to the biggest surge in demand from Iran, the prices of rice have shot up in the international markets, adding more revenues and continued growth. According to the USDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Indian rice exports are portended to hit a slight low during 2013-14.

Given the fact that the demand for Indian Basmati Rice and other types continue to grow in the national as well as international markets, India’s economy will boost and pave way for avant garde development of agriculture, infrastructure, IT, medical, hospitality, rural education, and other streams in the country.

Shri Lal Mahal is one among the largest Indian exporters of regular and Basmati rice varieties across the globe. The group has been delivering to the authentic savors, flavors, and aromatic rice needs of the Indian and Global customers since 1907, more than a century now.

One of the largest Indian conglomerates, the group has been successfully exporting to the U.S., Canada, Middle East, Europe, South East Asia and Emirates and quashing their demands for the best basmati and regular Indian rice. Some of the best quality rice varieties the group produces and supplies include sugar-free, and cholesterol-free Empire Basmati Rice, Dubar, PUSA, 1121, PAUNA,  Royale, Supreme etc.

Thursday 12 December 2013

Indian Rice: Highest on Quality and the Best in Taste

Indian rice is the most valuable, staple, and healthiest food throughout the world - it has the quality which no other rice type produced in the world matches with. Following its unparalleled soft texture, nutritional values due to being rich source of fiber, protein and amino acids, and the healthiest alternative to wheat, Indian rice whether basmati or non basmati rice has gained the strongest foothold in the overseas markets.

Indian rice, both in the domestic and overseas markets, is the most liked food as compared to wheat, whose whey protein, a.k.a gluten digests comparatively slower than the former. The West and European countries have witnessed a major boom in gluten-free diets. There are some people who are allergic to wheat protein and that is why they prefer rice over wheat as their staple food.

There are also people who are increasingly shifting to rice-based diets from wheat-based due to the formers being more digestible, higher on energy, and healthier. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Miley Cyrus, Bill Clinton, and Novak Djokovic are among several others who have given preference to rice over wheat.

All of them across the world are the largest consumers of Indian Rice varieties. Since India has grown to become the biggest cultivator, exporter, and consumer of rice, it has the capability of satiating the needs and taste buds of all.

Since rice is eaten across all communities, societies, cultures, and races in variety of dishes or routine foods including pasta, sauces, noodles, biryani etc., it automatically propels demand for more. The country being the largest producer grows more and more annually to meet the growing demand and earn itself major export revenues. Other than Asia, West, U.S., and Europe, the country has witnessed a major boom in demand from Iran.

Given this fact, the country has expanded its cultivation area for rice crops to meet the demand and continue its exports endeavors. Other than the foreign factors, there are internal factors which keep pushing up demands for rice and help the nation emerge as the biggest place for rice cultivation and consumption.

Shri Lal Mahal is one among the largest Indian exporters of regular and Non Basmati Rice varieties across the globe. The group has been delivering to the authentic savors, flavors, and aromatic rice needs of the Indian and Global customers since 1907, more than a century now.

One of the largest Indian conglomerates, the group has been successfully exporting to the U.S., Canada, Middle East, Europe, South East Asia and Emirates and quashing their demands for the best basmati and regular Indian rice. Some of the best quality rice varieties the group produces and supplies include sugar-free, and cholesterol-free Empire Basmati Rice, Dubar, Supreme, PAUNA, PUSA, 1121, and Royale etc.

Saturday 16 March 2013

Low Calorie Thai Stir Fry Rice

For many people, basmati rice is considered to be a whole-grain comforting staple.  Though it is eaten everyday but you can also try a wok-tossed mix of rice and savory tidbits on special occasion. Even health experts have prescribed this as one light meal with lots of goodness.

When you go to a restaurant, you often order fried rice which is salty, greasy with clumpy rice piled less with vegetables. It is often too rich in oil and filled with starchy calories. This kind of fried rice often exceeds your daily intake of sodium. According to Indian rice exporters, rice is the staple of Asian people therefore some of the best rice recipes are inspired by Thai cuisine which gives rise to an utterly delicious meal that is low in fat, keeps sodium and calories in check.

In some Thai recipes, you can also go for non-basmati rice but you will not get the same flavor. The caramel tint of fried rice comes from food cooked in slick hot oil and then adding a base of soy-sauce seasoning. You can add a splash of lower sodium soy then sauce, ocean fish sauce which saturated the chicken and rice without much of sodium. For a meaty savor add two slices of super flavorful bacon. If you want some chewy texture you can add nutty whole-grain brown rice.

If you are vegetarian then you can go for broccoli, bell pepper with a plentiful of green onions.  You can also try this recipe with carrots, beans, tomato and bean sprouts.

Monday 11 March 2013

Kashmiri Pulao Recipe for Food lovers

Rice is the staple food for people living in Asian countries. This is because it is not only filling with filled with carbohydrates that give them energy. It can be consumed with any gray curry or mixed with vegetables or meat. It makes a complete meal without much hassle.
I remember that pulao is one dish which is eaten on all occasions. It not tastes good but gives an amazing aroma. This is classic Indian dish and made by most mothers on any festive occasion.
Basmati rice is used to make number of mouth-watering dishes. One such dish is Kashmiri Pulao which is sure to tickle your taste buds. It is unlike other pulao recipes but it not that spicy because it is slightly sweet in taste. It is a kind of sweet and unconventional pulao loaded with goodness of fruits, rich cream and  pleasant smelling spices and Many of you must have taste this Indian rice dish in parties and get-together. It is best to have this dish with spicy tofu or paneer based gravy.
Here are the ingredients:
  • 2 cups of basmati rice washed and soaked
  • 3 cloves
  • ½ tsp of cumin seeds
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaves
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 3 cardamoms
  • ½ cup of fresh beaten cream
  • 1 tsp of sugar
  • 2 tbsp of clarified butter
  • ½ cup of dry fruits
  • 2- 3 edible rose petals
  • Salt to taste
Method
Drain all water from the rice and keep aside. Now mix milk, cream and salt. Then heat clarified butter in a heavy bottom pan. After which you need to add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves and cinnamon. When they begin to splutter add rice and fry it for sometime say 2 minutes. Add to milk mixture and ½ cup of water.
Bring it to boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for two minutes. Mix in the dry fruits in very gently. Serve hot and garnish with rose petals.
I am planning to try this recipe this weekend. When are you trying this?

Thursday 7 March 2013

Why Rice is loved by all?

Rice is arguably one of the best foods in the world. According to rice manufacturers it is arguably the second most cultivated cereal in the world. It would not be wrong to say that it is the staple food of half of the world.

The best quality Basmati rice is cultivated at the foothills of Himalayas. The soil and climate of the place account for the aroma, taste and texture of basmati rice.

It is derived from a Hindi word which means ‘Queen of Fragrance’. Basmati has a long and fine aromatic flavor which is characterized by long and slender grains. It is perfumed, has nut like flavor and aroma which can be attributed to the fact that the grain is aged.

When it is cooked it only increases lengthwise which give long slender grains. Later they become dry, separate and fluffy. The non basmati rice exporters will not understand the essence of cultivating this rice.

Carbohydrates are found in rice and they form an essential part of any diet. This is because it provides energy to your body. All thanks to low-carb diet which helps to shed pounds.  Added to all it is also nutritious and economical.

The trick is to pick the right kind of carbohydrate so that you do not end up gaining weight. For example, a carbohydrate like sugar is bad for your health which can lead to obesity, overheating and diabetes. Complex carbohydrate includes things like bread, rice and starches.

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Basmati Rice “The Queen of all Grains"

Basmati rice is used in several Indian cuisines. It is native to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Most basmati rice exporters say that it is popular for its flavor but also for its fragrance.

It is a remarkably long rice and becomes much fluffy after cooking than standard white rice. This can be either brown or white but brown has variety of other flavors.

In Hindi language, basmati means “Queen of Fragrance”. This grain is has been cultivated at the foot of Himalayas for thousands of years in the areas where Sutlej and Yamuna flow. Basmati is primarily grown in Karnal which the ‘rice bowl of India’. It is also grown in other regions like Panipat, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Ambala, Kashmir and Punjab.

According to rice manufacturers, it is one of the important crops of India taking up 44 million hectares which is considered to be the largest rice-growing area of the world.

Not only this, rice provides main income for more than 50 million households in India and is about 65% staple food of one billion Indians. Even in Ayurveda basmati rice is considered to be pure or saatvic which has number of health benefits and is easy to digest.

Usually there are two methods to cook basmati rice: first is the past way, in which you first boil lot of water, add a pinch of salt, add few drops of oil, then add rice. When it becomes tender add half tablespoon of vinegar.

Then drain out excess water after which you can put the strained rice in a pot and sprinkle some oil in the pot. Then you can add some water and steam the rice on low flame till is fully cooked.

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Indian Rice - Simple To Cook and Delicious to Savor

Basmati rice is ideal for people with diabetics and other special dietary requirements as it's no gluten, fat and cholesterol. Even the oldest method of medicine of Ayurveda says that basmati is the purest kind of rice. The grains of this rice variety are delicate that need only maximum cooking time. Its natural flavor and taste is well augmented in biryani while it is cooked in ghee, with spices, nuts and vegetables or meat or chicken. It is a well-liked delicacy served in the coursework of weddings and festivals like Eid and Ramzan.

Rice is the staple diet in lots of countries in the world including India where 68% of the population eats rice. Of all the varieties of rice, basmati is the best and the priciest. Literally the word basmati means 'queen of fragrance' and this aromatic and scrumptious rice variety truly lives up to its name. The lip smacking nutty flavor and the non sticky texture makes it well suited for an array of preparations. A favourite choice of the royals, basmati is popular all over the world.

Served warm, basmati is truly exceptional among rice varieties. It is a treasure trove of vitamins and amino acids that would keep you energetic all day through without adding up the pounds because of its low starch composition. It is well suited for kids and aged similar and is well suited for every day consumption and special occasions. Simple to cook and scrumptious to eat, basmati is of the major export items in India and there's lots of exporters supplying this exceptional product of India to all over the world. The long grain basmati rice grown today was developed from the rice type Oryza Sativa Indica.

Though India is of the earliest countries to produce the long grain rice, lots of Asian countries like China and Japan prefer long grain rice for their meals as it is non sticky and fluffy. Ideal for most type of preparations apart from puddings and desserts, Basmati Rice is produced in lots of Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, J & K and Rajasthan among others.

Lots of cooks opine that long grain rice of Indian Rice, when cooked properly will be fluffy and less sticky and the free flowing texture makes it simple to serve and eat. Due to lower gluten in basmati rice, the rice flour also makes a lovely substitute for those on gluten free diets. There's lots of basmati rice exporters who play a vital link to propagating the royal taste of this exotic rice in India all round the world!