Basmati Rice | Whole Grain

Sold in 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

Ingredients: Whole Grain White Basmati Rice.

Ingredient Country of Origin: Pakistan or India.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand and/or Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

Introducing Gerbs White Basmati Whole Grain Rice

OVERVIEW OF GERBS BASMATI RICE

Basmati rice is a premium, long-grain aromatic rice primarily grown in India and Pakistan, renowned for its delicate, nutty flavor, floral aroma, and fluffy texture. The slender grains elongate significantly when cooked, staying separate and firm rather than sticky. It is widely used in pilaf, biryani, and as a staple side dish for curries.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: Extra-long, slender, tapered grains, often slightly golden (if aged).
• Texture: Light, fluffy, and non-sticky when cooked.
• Aroma & Flavor: Distinctive, intense aroma (often described as popcorn-like or nutty).
• Cooking Behavior: Grains double or more in length upon cooking.
• Varieties: Available in both white (polished) and brown (whole grain) forms.

How Basmati Rice is Grown

• Region: Primarily cultivated in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India and Pakistan.
• Cultivation Process:
  • Planting: Seeds are planted in June, often hand-transplanted as saplings into flooded, nutrient-rich paddy fields.
  • Water Requirements: Requires intense, consistent irrigation.
  • Harvesting: The crop matures and is harvested in October, often during dry and sunny conditions.

HOW IS GERBS BASMATI RICE HARVESTED

Basmati rice is cultivated primarily in the Himalayan foothills of India and Pakistan, requiring a 3-4 month growing season, high humidity, and, specifically, heavy clay soil with high organic content. Cultivation typically involves nursery sowing, transplantation into flooded, “puddled” fields (plowed in water), and heavy manual labor to ensure precise spacing. Key aspects of the cultivation process include:

• Field Preparation & Planting: Fields are prepared through pudding which involves plowing the soil while flooded to create a muddy, water-retentive base. Seedlings are grown in a nursery for about 3-4 weeks before being transplanted by hand into the main, flooded fields.
• Water Management: Basmati is a water-intensive crop, often relying on monsoon rain for the Kharif season, but requires supplemental irrigation to maintain submerged conditions for optimal growth.
• Harvesting: Crops are harvested manually when the grains are golden-brown and the stalks are dry.
• Post-Harvesting: After harvest, the rice is typically aged for 12-24 months to enhance its aroma and texture.  

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS OF GERBS BASMATI RICE

White whole grain basmati rice is a nutritious, high-fiber, and gluten-free complex carbohydrate that aids digestion, helps manage weight, and supports heart health. With a low-to-medium glycemic index (50–58), it provides sustained energy, helps regulate blood sugar, and is lower in arsenic than other rice types.

• Improved Digestion & Weight Management: The high fiber content in brown/whole grain basmati helps regulate the digestive tract and prevents constipation. Its fiber-rich composition also increases satiety, which aids in weight control.
• Blood Sugar Management: Compared to white rice, basmati has a lower glycemic index, causing a slower, more stable increase in blood sugar levels, making it ideal for managing diabetes.
• Heart Health: As a whole grain, it helps lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of high blood pressure, which are major factors in heart disease.
• Nutrient-Dense & Low-Arsenic: It is a good source of B vitamins (including thiamine and folate), iron, magnesium, and selenium. It also generally contains lower levels of arsenic compared to other rice types.
• Sustained Energy: Being a complex carbohydrate, it provides a slow release of energy, preventing sharp energy slumps.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE BASMATI RICE INTO YOUR DIET

Cooking perfect, fluffy white basmati rice relies on a proper water-to-rice ratio, thorough rinsing to remove excess starch, and not disturbing it while it steams. The most common and reliable method is the absorption method.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white basmati rice
• 1.5 cups water (some recipes use 1.75 to 2 cups, but 1.5 is ideal for firmer, fluffier rice)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp butter or oil (optional, helps separate grains)

Instructions (Stovetop Method)

1. Rinse the Rice (Crucial Step):

Place the rice in a bowl or fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water 4-5 times, or until the water runs completely clear

. This removes surface starch, preventing gummy rice.

1. Soak (Optional but Recommended): Soak the rice in cold water for 20-30 minutes, then drain. This allows the grains to hydrate, resulting in longer, fluffier rice.
2. Combine and Boil: Combine the rinsed/soaked rice and 1.5 cups of water in a saucepan. Add salt and optional oil/butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat uncovered.
3. Simmer and Steam: Once the surface is bubbly and foamy, place a tight-fitting lid on the pot and turn the heat down to low (medium-low).
4. Cook Undisturbed: Cook for 12-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid to peek, as this releases steam necessary for cooking.
5. Rest: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit (still covered) for 5-10 minutes. This ensures even moisture distribution.
6. Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and serve.

Key Tips for Success

• The Ratio: 1:1.5 (1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water) is generally considered the best ratio for fluffy, non-mushy rice.
• Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick pot to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
• Too Much Water? If there is still water left, put the lid back on and let it rest longer or turn the heat off, but leave it on the hot burner.
• Flavoring: Add a cardamom pod, a bay leaf, or a splash of lemon juice to the water for extra aroma and to help keep the grains separate.

Alternative Methods

• Instant Pot: Combine 1 cup rice, 1 cup water (or 1:1 ratio), and salt. Seal and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes, then perform a quick release.
• Absorption Method (Alternative): Some chefs suggest boiling the rice in a large pot of water (like pasta) for 5 minutes, then covering, removing from heat, and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Basmati rice can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet by substituting it for regular white rice, serving it alongside curries, or using it as a base for salads and stir-fries. To maximize nutrition, choose brown basmati for higher fiber, limit portions to HALF to 1 cup cooked, and pair it with lean proteins and vegetables. Healthy Swaps: Substitute white rice with fragrant basmati in any recipe, such as in rice bowls, pilafs, or stir-fries.

Meal Prep Base: Cook a large batch of basmati rice to use throughout the week as a base for salads (mixed with beans, vegetables, and vinaigrette) or as a side for grilled fish or chicken.

Nutritious Add-ins: Mix basmati with lentils, vegetables, or fresh herbs to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal.

Flavor Enhancements: Cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth, or add spices like turmeric or ginger for extra flavor and antioxidants.

Breakfast Alternative: Make a breakfast porridge by cooking basmati rice with milk or a dairy-free alternative, topped with nuts and fruit.

Smart Prep for Health: To lower the glycemic impact, try cooking the rice, chilling it, and then reheating it, which increases resistant starch.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!