Rice 101: Why Basmati Rice?

As you might have noticed, I have been using and referring to basmati rice in some recent posts. Here is what you need to know about basmati rice...
Basmati rice is a long-grain rice with aromatic flavour. According to my research, the flavors should intensify as it is cooking; however, according to my experience it really varies from brand to brand. When cooked, grains stay firm, separate, and also become longer.

I always wash it before cooking to clean it from starch and dusty particles. Also if you let is soak in water for 10-15 minutes before cooking it will cook faster and will not stick together.

Basmati rice is naturally low-fat; it contains less than 1g of fat per serving, and each 3/4 of a cup serving contains 3g of protein. It also contains B vitamins and each serving of basmati rice contains a small amount of iron.

I use it in salads and to make pilafs,  and occasionally in soups. 
You can buy it almost in every store.