Sona Masoori is lightweight and aromatic medium-grain rice which is the result of a cross combination of the rice varieties Sona and Masoori. It is grown largely in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Sona Masoori is a premium variety of rice that is mainly exported to USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.

Known to be the world’s most precious rice strain. It is one of the most treasured grains, and is grown only once a year in the Indo-Gangetic Plain beneath the Himalayan sub ranges. The fertile alluvial soil, fresh and cold air and the sweet water from the ranges contribute primarily to the unique characteristics associated with the grain. It is a remarkably long variety of rice and has a distinct aroma and discrete nutty taste. When cooked, the Basmati is longer, lighter and fluffier than standard white rice, and does not stick together.

Like Champaign of Champaign, Basmati also is geographically indexed to the northern region on the Indian Sub-continent, which includes Basmati growing areas in the states of Uttrakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, adjoining areas of Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.

Quite like wine, it gets better with age. We age Basmati from a minimum of one to two years, to enhance and intensify its taste, aroma and cooking characteristics. Under good conditions it keeps well for up to 10 years. Old rice cooks up fluffy, with separate grains and releases a pleasant aroma.

Basmati can be consumed in the multiple forms listed below. The consumption is typically based on recipe, eating habits, health needs and cultural geographical usage.

In Andhra Pradesh, it is mainly cultivated in the Krishna, Guntur, Kurnool, Nellore, Prakasham and Twin Godavari districts. In Telangana it is mainly cultivated in Miryalaguda, Nizamabad, and Warangal. In Karnataka, it is mainly cultivated in the Raichur, Koppal and Bellary, Belagavi districts.

Calories

A 45-gram serving of dry sona masoori rice, which is equivalent to about 1 cup of cooked rice, contains 160 calories. By comparison, a 45-gram serving of uncooked long-grain rice contains 164 calories. Balancing your calorie intake is essential for weight maintenance and long-term health. Knowing the amount of calories in a serving of sona masoori rice can make it easier for you to track and balance your calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Most the calories in the sona masoori rice come from its carbohydrate content. That same 45-gram serving of dry rice contains 35 grams of carbohydrates. Sona masoori rice does not contain any fiber. Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient, and should provide most of your caloric intake. They provide your body with energy and promote the proper functioning of your heart, brain, liver and kidneys. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 recommend that you obtain 45 to 65 percent of your calories from carbohydrates, most of which should derive from nutritious foods. While moderate amounts of low-fiber grains fit within a healthy diet, choose higher fiber varieties, such as brown rice, wild rice and oats, most often.

Protein

Sona masoori rice does provide some protein, with 4 grams of protein in a 45-gram serving. The protein in the rice does not provide all the essential amino acids, making it an incomplete source of protein. However, if you eat a balanced diet that includes other grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans, you should meet your essential amino acid needs. Daily protein needs vary with gender, age and health. Adult women in good health require 46 grams of protein a day, and adult men in good health require 56 grams.

Fat and Sodium

Sona masoori rice is both fat free and sodium free. While both fat and sodium are essential nutrients, most Americans consume too much. High intakes of both fat and sodium can lead to a greater risk of developing heart disease. For a balanced diet, you should limit fat to 20 to 35 percent of your daily calories, with most of that fat coming from the heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in plant oils, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. The USDA recommends a sodium intake of less than 2,300 milligrams a day, but if you have high blood pressure, you should limit sodium to less than 1,500 milligrams a day.