Thai Jasmine Rice: A Beautiful Dish

Learn more about Thai Jasmine rice

Thai Jasmine rice is a fragrant, long-grain variety of rice, also known as Hom Mali rice. It has a sweet nutty flavor and is highly sought-after among connoisseurs and chefs alike. This type of rice is native to Thailand and is grown in abundance in the country’s central plains. Thai Jasmine rice is an important part of the traditional cuisine, and is served with almost every meal in Thailand. Moreover, Jasmine rice is exported from that country to many regions of the world, -particularly to China, Korea and Vietnam- making it a valuable commodity for Thailand. 

A staple from Southeast Asia

Thai Jasmine rice is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine and has been enjoyed by many generations. In Thailand, it is served with almost every meal and is highly sought-after for its unique taste and texture. This type of rice is highly nutritious, and is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins and minerals. 

Characteristics and benefits of this rice variety

Jasmine rice is a special variety of rice that is highly nutritious. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is also a good source of dietary fiber. It is considered to be healthier than other types of white rice, as it contains more vitamins and minerals. Additionally, this type of rice is low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.

When cooked, Thai Jasmine rice has a distinctive fragrance -that’s the reason of its name- and a sticky, yet fluffy texture. It is usually served with dishes such as curries, stir-fries and soups. Additionally, it is also often used in desserts, such as sticky rice pudding, for instance Thai Khanom Tako. And of course, it can also be used in various salads, such as Thai-style fried rice salad.

When purchasing Jasmine rice, it is important to choose a good quality brand. It is best to look for organic varieties, as organic rice is grown without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Additionally, it is important to check the expiration date on the package, as it should be relatively fresh. Lastly, it is important to store the rice in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, to ensure maximum shelf life. Jasmine, as well as other rice types tend to absorb ambient moisture, so keeping it in a low-humidity place is essential to ensure duration.

Jasmine rice nutrition facts

Thai Jasmine rice is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals -like calcium, iron and potassium- and other essential nutrients. It is low in fat and cholesterol, and is considered to be healthier than other types of white rice. 

Additionally, one cup of cooked Thai Jasmine rice contains, approximately:

• 205 calories. 
• 4.2 grams of protein. 
• 0.4 grams of fat.
• 44.5 grams of carbohydrates.
• 1.6 grams of dietary fiber.
• 57 milligrams of calcium.

Considering that Jasmine rice can be combined with different kinds of vegetables, fresh or cooked, this makes it a healthy and nutritious option for vegetarians and vegans to include in their daily diet. 

A recipe for Jasmine rice

Thai Jasmine rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. It could be said that white rice in general -and Jasmine type in particular- becomes an ideal food for meal-preppers, since it can be cooked in advance, frozen and used later. It only needs to be defrosted during the right time.

What you’ll need

• 1 cup of Thai Jasmine rice.
• 2 cups of water.
• Some soft herbs, like oregano, thyme or sage.
• Salt, to taste.

How to prepare it

1. Remove the excess starch by rinsing the rice with tap water until the water runs clear. This can be easily done with a large-enough strainer. 
2. Add the rice to a pot with two cups of water. Add some salt, at taste.
3. Bring it to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, put the lid on and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Once cooked, take the pot out of the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
7. You may sprinkle the rice with finely chopped parsley on top.

Helpful tips

• Stir occasionally to avoid the grains from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• You may add some herbs when cooking to enhance rice flavor.
• Once cooked, Jasmine rice can be kept in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days.
• In case you want to freeze it, it will last for a month or so. Just let it cool down and put it in an airtight container before storing it in the freezer.
• When you need to defrost it, just put it in the normal fridge and leave overnight for a slow defrosting. It has better results than microwaving it.