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More than 120,000 varieties of rice are available throughout the world. With this, picking one is not a walk in the park.

Among others, two of the most popular options are basmati and jasmine rice. They both go well with different dishes, including stir-fried Thai favorites and classic Indian curries. Nonetheless, while they are both types of rice, they are different in many ways.

What is Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is one of the many types of white rice. It is a common rice grown in the Himalayas, Pakistan, and India. Up to 2/3 of the world’s supply of basmati rice is from India. No wonder, it is common in Indian cuisine, such as in curry side dishes and pilafs.

How to Cook Basmati Rice Perfectly | Tips for non sticky basmati rice for biryani and fried rice.

What is Jasmine Rice?

Meanwhile, jasmine rice is a long grain rice. It is a variety of Oryza sativa or Asian rice. It is common in many Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This rice is also exported around the world.

How to Make the Perfect Jasmine Rice

Comparing Basmati vs Jasmine Rice

Can’t decide if you should go for basmati or jasmine rice? If you need help, below are some of the differences between the two.

1. Origin

As we have earlier noted, basmati rice is primarily from India. The latter is the primary global supplier, which also makes it understandable why this type of rice most commonly go with Indian cuisine.

On the other hand, jasmine rice is from southeast Asian countries. It is common to see this rice go with Asian specialties, especially Thai cuisine. Even so, it can also be found in India, just like basmati rice.

2. Appearance

Looking a basmati and jasmine rice is one of the easiest ways to tell the differences between the two. When it is uncooked, jasmine rice is a bit clearer and the tips are slightly rounded. Meanwhile, basmati rice has sharper ends and slender.

The two are both long-grain types of rice. However, jasmine is shorter and rounder. On the other hand, basmati is one of the longest types of rice available.

3. Texture

Once the rice is cooked, there is a noticeable difference between the two when it comes to texture. It is easier to differentiate the two when they are cooked as against when it is uncooked. However, the texture can vary depending on cooking methods.

In general, jasmine rice is soft, chewy, and plump. The grains will clump together once it is cooked. On the other hand, basmati rice is fluffy and dry. They will not clump.

4. Aroma and Flavor

If you are looking for fragrant rice, then you cannot go wrong with jasmine. It is aromatic with a slight sweetness, which will perfectly complement savory dishes. It is also nutty with hints of pandan leaves and popcorn.

Basmati rice is also slightly nutty and fragrant. It is not a surprise since basmati is a Hindi word that means aromatic, so you will already have a clear idea of what the rice will smell and taste like.

5. Nutrition

Rice has a bad reputation because of its carbohydrate contents. Nonetheless, just like with anything else, the key is to consume rice in moderation. When done right, it can be a staple in a healthy diet.

First, let us compare the two in terms of their calories. On average, basmati rice has 230 calories in one cup. Meanwhile, one cup of jasmine rice has about 180 calories. With this, basmati rice is a better option if you are counting calories.

The glycemic index is also different. It measures the speed at which your body absorbs sugar in carbohydrates. A higher glycemic index raises blood sugar faster. Between the two, jasmine rice has a slightly higher glycemic index.

When it comes to factors like fiber, vitamins, proteins, and fat, the two types of rice have almost no difference.

Basmati vs Jasmine Rice: How to choose the best for fried rice, curry, paella & instant pot!

How to Cook Basmati Rice

Unless you are Asian, you might not have the best idea on how to cook rice, including basmati. It is easy! Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how you can do so.

1. Measure the ingredients. For this short recipe, we will use one cup of basmati rice and 1.5 cups of cold water.
2. Wash the rice a few times until the water is clear. Place it in a container and fill with water. Drain and repeat. Washing rice will get rid of the starch from the surface of the grains, so it will not be sticky. Instead, your rice will be fluffy.
3. Boil water and rice in a pot. Start without the lid and at high heat. As it boils, turn the heat to low and cover the pot.
4. Allow the rice to simmer. Use a timer and wait at least 12 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from the heat but do not eat it just yet. Give your basmati rice ten minutes to rest. Fluff the rice using spoon or fork before serving.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice

Like with basmati rice, cooking jasmine rice is a straightforward process that will only take a few minutes. Here’s how you can cook jasmine rice perfectly.

1. Start by rinsing jasmine rice in water and draining. Repeat until the water is running clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, add 1.5 cups of jasmine rice, 2-3/4 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Cover the saucepan and wait for a few minutes until it boils. After boiling, turn down the heat.
3. Let rice simmer up to ten minutes. This will give enough time for the grains to absorb water.
4. Check the rice, making sure that it is already tender. If it still looks hard, drizzle water on the top and let it cook for a few minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy!

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Now that we had a quick comparison of basmati vs jasmine rice, it is time to decide. There is no wrong or right choice.

At the end of the day, it depends on what you will be cooking or pairing rice with. We recommend basmati if you want the grains to separate. Because of its origin, it is best for Indian and Pakistani dishes.

On the other hand, if you want the rice to clump, then you should choose jasmine rice. It is best for Thai and Vietnamese dishes, as well as in stews and dishes with gravy. It is also perfect for grilled or stir-fried dishes.  

Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving! Even when there is no occasion, having turkey on the table is a treat to the taste buds.

Most people who buy turkey will find themselves in a situation where they will have it frozen. For instance, such is the case when you are not yet ready to cook it. Keeping it in the freezer will extend its shelf-life so it remains good until the time you will use it.

If you are curious about how long can you keep a frozen turkey, read on and learn from the insights we’ll share in this short guide.

How Long Can You Keep a Frozen Turkey?

The answer to this question depends on many things. The biggest deciding factor, however, would be whether you are storing uncooked or cooked turkey. It will last longer if it is uncooked, especially if it is in a vacuum-sealed packaging.

You can freeze uncooked turkey up to two years! This is given that it is in its original sealed packaging. There should be no holes or anywhere else where air can enter to keep the meat fresh even after several months.

Even if you can keep uncooked turkey in its original sealed packaging for two years, we do not recommend doing so. While it remains safe for a long time, provided that it is handled properly, it is better to cook it within a year to enjoy the best possible quality.

Meanwhile, if the turkey is cooked before it is frozen, it will last only a few months. The sooner you consume, the better. The longer you wait, the more the taste will be altered, which will affect the natural flavors and even texture of turkey.

How To Tell When Frozen Turkey Has Gone Bad

Most people will forget how long turkey has been in the freezer, except if you label it with the storage diet to keep track. To help you determine if it has already gone bad, below are some of the best things to do.

1. See the Best Before Date

For store-bought turkey, they will often come with a best before date. This is a good reference to tell if the turkey is still in a good condition. We suggest that you do not wait for the date printed on the label before cooking or consuming turkey.

Nonetheless, take note that best before date is only for reference on until when turkey is best to use. It is still safe to consume it after this date, but there is a potential to lose its quality, so consider it to have gone bad.

2. Watch Out for its Appearance

The appearance of turkey is another tell-tale sign if it is still good or if it has gone bad. In most cases, you won’t see the signs of spoilage while it is frozen, so you will need to thaw before you can see if it is no longer good.

Raw turkey will change its color once it has gone bad. In a good state, turkey meat must be cream, light pink, off-white, or pale white. When it has spoiled, the color of the meat will be darker, which is a sign of contamination.

While mold growth is rare, it can be another sign that turkey has gone bad, especially when it is cooked before it is frozen.  This usually happens when turkey retains a lot of moisture after cooking and before freezing.

3. Feel Its Texture

Aside from looking at the appearance of frozen turkey, one more thing that you can do is to feel it. The texture will have significant changes if it has gone bad. For raw turkey, it can turn slimy once it has been thawed. Such is an indication that it is already bad.

The slimy texture of turkey is often a result of bacterial infestation. It can be because it has been in the freezer for a long time. In addition, the culprit can be improper handling and storage, such as the failure to maintain a consistent temperature of the freezer.

4. Pay Attention to Its Smell

Frozen turkey will not smell, even if it is fresh. If you want to tell if it is good or not, wait until it thaws before smelling the meat. When it is fresh, it has mild odor similar to chicken if the turkey is raw. If it is cooked, the smell will depend on the ingredients present.

Once turkey has gone bad, there will be a foul odor, which is most noticeable when meat reaches room temperature.

How to Thaw Frozen Turkey

It is not enough that you know how long a frozen turkey is good for. To make this article more valuable, we will also share some tips on how you can thaw it safely.

According to USDA, the best way to thaw frozen turkey is in the fridge. It is the safest method because of the consistency of the temperature. It can take up to a day, so make sure to have plenty of time. From the freezer, transfer turkey in the fridge and wait until it thaws.

Alternatively, you can also try cold water thawing. For this method, make sure that it is in its original vacuum-sealed packaging. Submerge in a container or sink with cold water, making sure to change the water every half an hour. For every pound of turkey, wait 30 minutes.

Another thawing method is in the microwave. This is perfect for people who do not have the luxury of time. It is ideal if your microwave has a defrost function. See to it that the microwave is big enough to accommodate the size of the turkey that you will thaw.

Regardless of the thawing method that you chose, use the turkey within two to three days. Do not leave it in room temperature. Instead, keep it in the fridge. Freezing and thawing repeatedly should not be done as it is unsafe and will make the quality suffer.

Best Practices When Freezing Turkey

To keep frozen turkey fresher longer, here are some of the best tips when freezing:

1. Label the Container Before Freezing

If it does not come with a best before date, use a marker to label the container indicating the date when it was first frozen. This will serve as a useful reference, so you will know how long the turkey has been in the freezer.

2. Do No Unwrap Uncooked Turkey

For store-bought turkey, we recommend not removing it from the original packaging. In most cases, it will be in a vacuum-sealed plastic. This will prevent infiltration of external elements and contamination when the turkey is frozen.

3. Let It Cool

This is applicable if you are freezing cooked turkey, such as leftover from a dinner party. Give it enough time for turkey to cool down before freezing. You can also cut it into bite-sized pieces if you want to save space.