Basmati vs non-basmati: what buyers should check

Grain length, ageing, broken percentage and packing: the specification points that drive rice price and quality.

Products 4 min read

Two families, many grades

Basmati is known for extra-long grains that elongate on cooking and for its aroma. Non-basmati covers a wide group of varieties used for everyday staples. Within each, grades vary a great deal.

The numbers that matter

Agree the grain length, the maximum broken percentage, moisture, and the level of foreign matter. For basmati, also agree whether the rice is aged and whether it is steam, raw or sella (parboiled).

Sample first

Approve a pre-shipment sample and keep a sealed counter-sample. If a quality claim arises later, both sides can refer to the same reference.

Packing and marking

Bag size, material and printing differ by market, and some destinations are strict about labelling. Settle this before production, not after.

General guidance only. Requirements vary by product and country, so confirm them for each shipment.

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