Ever wonder why some rice dishes turn out fluffy and separate, while others become a sticky mess? The secret often lies in the grain itself. Rice is a staple food for billions, but not all rice is created equal. When you’re standing in the grocery aisle, staring at bags labeled Basmati, Jasmine, or plain white rice, how do you know which one is truly “Long Grain”?
Choosing the right rice can feel confusing. You want that perfect texture for your favorite curry or pilaf, but picking the wrong variety leads to disappointing results. Many home cooks struggle to understand the subtle differences that affect cooking time and final consistency. Understanding the characteristics of Long Grain Rice is key to unlocking consistent, delicious meals every time.
This post will demystify the world of Long Grain Rice. We will break down what makes these grains special, explore popular types, and give you simple tips for perfect cooking. Get ready to stop guessing and start cooking with confidence. Let’s dive into what makes Long Grain Rice a kitchen essential!
Top Long Grain Rice Recommendations
- REIMAGINE TRADITIONAL: Craft your favorite recipes in a whole new way with Mahatma Extra-Long-Grain Rice. This long-grain white rice works with any flavor combination and always turns out light and fluffy!
- EASY RICE: Prepare rice according to package directions. On a stovetop, add 1 cup rice to 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes or until water absorbs. Alternatively, microwave the above measurements on HIGH for 5 minutes, for 15 minutes at 50% power, then let stand for 5 minutes.
- TRUSTED VEGAN FOOD: Our bulk white rice is 100% vegan and vegetarian, but that's not all. It's free from gluten, MSG, and preservatives and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It's even kosher, so you can gather everyone you love around your table!
- REWRITE RECIPES: Start your day with cheesy rice omelets. Try a rice salad, soup, or veggie burrito bowl for lunch. Build dinner with our rice and a protein like chicken. You can even craft dessert—pudding, pie, or a traditional Latin-American arroz con leche!
- HEART & SOUL OF THE FAMILY TABLE: Mahatma rice is for all who give so much of themselves to provide their families with the best life possible. For close to 100 years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into every bag of quality rice and grains—so you can enjoy it with those you love.
- 32 ounces of organic long grain white rice
- Premium enriched long grain rice
- Perfect versatile rice for any dish
- Certified organic and non-GMO
- Ready in 20 minutes
- READY IN 90 SECONDS – QUICK & EASY HIGH-PROTEIN MEAL: Enjoy warm, fluffy rice in just 90 seconds. Our microwavable protein rice is perfect for busy lifestyles—ideal as a quick meal, post-workout fuel, or high-protein side dish
- 28 GRAMS OF PROTEIN PER BAG – FUEL YOUR BODY: Each 8 oz pouch delivers 28g of clean protein with 0g of fat, helping support muscle recovery and lasting energy. A smart choice for anyone looking to boost daily protein intake without added oils or fats
- COLLAGEN-ENRICHED RICE – SUPPORTS SKIN, HAIR & JOINT HEALTH: Made with grass-fed bovine collagen, this collagen rice helps promote healthy skin elasticity, strong nails, shiny hair, and joint mobility—making it a nutritious twist on classic rice
- MADE WITH ORGANIC INGREDIENTS – GLUTEN FREE & CLEAN LABEL: Crafted with organic long-grain white rice and wholesome, real ingredients—no GMOs, no preservatives, and 100% gluten free. Choose Unseasoned (just 3 ingredients) or Original (lightly seasoned with organic herbs and spices)
- MADE IN THE USA – QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST: Proudly made in the USA with responsibly sourced, organic ingredients for guaranteed freshness, consistency, and exceptional taste in every bite
- One 2 pound bag of Enriched White Long Grain Rice
- Some of your favorite Amazon Fresh products are now part of the Amazon Grocery brand! Although packaging may vary during the transition, the ingredients and product remain the same. Thank you for your continued trust in our brands
- Non GMO Verified
- Long grain variety, suitable for various cooking applications
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip.
- REIMAGINE TRADITIONAL: Craft your favorite recipes in a whole new way with Mahatma Extra-Long-Grain Rice. This long-grain white rice works with any flavor combination and always turns out light and fluffy!
- EASY RICE: Prepare rice according to package directions. On a stovetop, add 1 cup rice to 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes or until water absorbs. Alternatively, microwave the above measurements on HIGH for 5 minutes, for 15 minutes at 50% power, then let stand for 5 minutes.
- TRUSTED VEGAN FOOD: Our bulk white rice is 100% vegan and vegetarian, but that's not all. It's free from gluten, MSG, and preservatives and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It's even kosher, so you can gather everyone you love around your table!
- REWRITE RECIPES: Start your day with cheesy rice omelets. Try a rice salad, soup, or veggie burrito bowl for lunch. Build dinner with our rice and a protein like chicken. You can even craft dessert—pudding, pie, or a traditional Latin-American arroz con leche!
- HEART & SOUL OF THE FAMILY TABLE: Mahatma rice is for all who give so much of themselves to provide their families with the best life possible. For close to 100 years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into every bag of quality rice and grains—so you can enjoy it with those you love.
- One 5 pound bag of Enriched White Long Grain Rice
- Some of your favorite Amazon Fresh products are now part of the Amazon Grocery brand! Although packaging may vary during the transition, the ingredients and product remain the same. Thank you for your continued trust in our brands
- Enriched with essential nutrients including iron, niacin, thiamin, and folic acid
- Ready in about 15 minutes using basic stovetop cooking method
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip.
- AUTHENTIC FLAVOR: Long and fluffy, naturally aromatic, long grain Basmati rice; Aged for non-sticky texture and sweet flavor
- NATURALLY SOURCED: Sourced from local growers in Himalayan regions renowned for producing the finest crops
- VERSATILE WHITE RICE: Great long grain white rice for Indian food or Mexican food dishes; Add to curry, rice pilaf, stir fries, or enjoy as a side on its own
- NUTRITIOUS ROYAL RICE: Vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, non-fat, low sodium, and cholesterol-free
- EASY TO COOK: Ready to eat in 15 minutes; Simply cook on the stove top or in the microwave or electric cooker
- EXCEPTIONAL WHITE RICE FROM CALIFORNIA: This Regenerative Organic Certified long-grain white rice is proudly grown by family-owned Lundberg Family Farms, rice nerds since 1937.
- WHAT IS REGENERATIVE RICE? If you ask us, it starts with organic. Regenerative Organic Certified builds on USDA Organic with high standards for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. On our farms, we even save baby ducks. Yep, baby ducks!
- HEALTHY MEALS START WITH LUNDBERG RICE: Long-grain rice retains its shape when cooked, resulting in non-sticky rice that fluffs easily with a fork. It’s a versatile ingredient, perfect for all your pilaf, stir-fry, and burrito recipes.
- ORGANIC RICE, PERFECTED: With so many ways to enjoy our organic, vegan, non-GMO verified, and Certified Gluten-Free white rice, make a place for our 2-pound resealable bags in your pantry staples.
- LUNDBERG RICE IS INTENTIONALLY CRAFTED: Lundberg Family Farms is dedicated to responsible land stewardship and producing delicious rice that nourishes people and the planet.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Long Grain Rice
Long grain rice is a kitchen staple. It cooks up fluffy and separate. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for long grain rice, look closely at these important features. They tell you a lot about the final meal.
Grain Length and Shape
- Length: True long grain rice measures at least three times longer than it is wide. Longer grains usually mean less sticky rice.
- Shape: The grains should look slender and uniform. Avoid bags with many broken or short pieces.
Texture After Cooking
The best long grain rice cooks up light and airy. The grains should fall apart easily when you eat them. This is the main goal of buying long grain rice.
Color and Appearance
Most long grain rice is white. Brown long grain rice exists too. Check for a clean, consistent color. Avoid rice that looks dull or has dark spots.
Important Materials and Types
Long grain rice isn’t just one thing. Different processing methods create different types of rice.
Processing Levels
- White Rice: The outer husk, bran, and germ are removed. This makes the rice cook faster and store longer.
- Brown Rice: Only the inedible outer hull is removed. This keeps the nutritious bran layer. Brown rice has a nuttier flavor and takes longer to cook.
- Enriched Rice: Vitamins and minerals are added back to white rice after processing. This improves its nutritional value.
Variety Matters
While all are long grain, specific varieties exist. Basmati and Jasmine are two famous examples. They offer different aromas and slightly different textures.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality affects taste and texture directly. Pay attention to how the rice is handled.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Aroma: High-quality varieties, like Jasmine, have a pleasant, natural scent.
- Consistency: Uniformity in grain size ensures even cooking.
- Low Starch Dust: Less fine powder (dust) on the grains means less gummy rice.
Factors That Reduce Quality
Poor storage reduces quality significantly. Rice exposed to moisture can clump or spoil. Old rice loses its fresh flavor. Broken grains are a sign of lower quality handling.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you plan to cook. Different dishes call for slightly different types of long grain rice.
Best For Everyday Meals
Standard white long grain rice works perfectly for simple side dishes. It pairs well with almost anything because it has a mild flavor.
Global Cuisine Uses
- Pilafs and Biryanis: Use Basmati rice. Its long, slender grains remain separate, which is crucial for these layered dishes.
- Stir-Fries: Jasmine rice works great here. It has a slightly stickier texture than Basmati but still cooks fluffy.
- Soups and Casseroles: Standard long grain rice absorbs liquid well without turning into mush.
Choosing the right long grain rice elevates your meal from good to great. Consider the cooking time, desired texture, and flavor profile before you buy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long Grain Rice
Q: What is the main difference between long grain and short grain rice?
A: Long grain rice is much longer than it is wide. It cooks up fluffy and separate. Short grain rice is plump and sticky when cooked.
Q: Is brown long grain rice healthier than white long grain rice?
A: Yes, brown long grain rice is generally healthier. It keeps the nutritious outer bran layer, which has more fiber and vitamins.
Q: How much water do I need for 1 cup of long grain white rice?
A: A good starting point is usually 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of long grain white rice. Adjust slightly based on your stove or preferred method.
Q: Why does my long grain rice come out sticky?
A: Sticky rice usually results from too much starch on the surface. You should rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to wash off excess dust.
Q: Can I substitute Jasmine rice for Basmati rice?
A: You can, but the flavors will change. Jasmine has a distinct floral aroma, while Basmati is often considered nuttier. Both cook separately.
Q: How long does uncooked long grain rice last?
A: Stored properly in a cool, dry place, white long grain rice can last for many years. Brown rice lasts less time, usually about six months, because of the oils in the bran.
Q: What does “enriched” rice mean?
A: Enriched rice means that some B vitamins and iron were added back into the white rice after the milling process.
Q: Should I soak long grain rice before cooking?
A: Soaking is not necessary for standard long grain white rice. However, soaking Basmati rice for 20-30 minutes can help it cook more evenly and lengthen the grains.
Q: What is the best way to store cooked long grain rice?
A: Store cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It usually stays safe to eat for 3 to 4 days.
Q: Which type of long grain rice is best for making fried rice?
A: Day-old, slightly dry long grain rice is best for fried rice. It holds its shape better when tossed in the wok.