We had previously reported about a local product that lowers the Glycemic Index (GI) of white rice and now, there is a basmati rice that is fit for royalty and as healthy as quinoa and your normal white rice.

Introducing Sameza’s basmati. Prior to being made available in Singapore, it was the trusted choice of royal families in India and the Middle East for nearly 40 years. In fact, it was specially designed and made just for them. Bearing in mind the need for superior quality and health benefits, this long-grained rice was uniquely harvested to ensure longevity upon consumption.

While there are basmati seeds of different grades, there is perhaps none more esteemed than the 1121, which is used by premium basmati brand, Sameza. To produce basmati of regal quality, heritage artisan farmers at a family mill in India carry out an exclusive milling process with customised drying techniques to ‘age’ the rice for 2 to 3 years, which is stretched out far longer than the usual period of 6 months. What’s more, grains are sifted and specially picked to assure that 100% perfect unbroken grains of a specific circumference, tail curvature and length are in every bag of basmati.

So what exactly makes Sameza’s basmati the perfect staple?

The healthier choice

Unlike typical basmati with a glycemic index (GI) of 56-59, Sameza’s basmati is certified and accredited by Harvard Medical School with a low GI of 53. This makes it as healthy as quinoa and the healthier alternative to ASEAN white rice, which has a high GI ranging from 70-110.

Moreover, it is also gluten-free, cholesterol-free, low in sodium and low in fat. Sameza’s basmati is a superfood that transforms that body from within, keeping hormone levels balanced and subsequently reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.

Today, Sameza’s basmati is promoted exclusively by Diabetes Singapore.

Sameza’s basmati used in Thai (left) and Japanese (right) cuisines

Versatile for all cuisines

While basmati is typically used for biryani, Sameza’s basmati is simply a game changer.

With its versatility, it can be easily tailored to all cuisines. Chefs from around the world have incorporated Sameza’s basmati to their dishes and have found the rice incredibly easy to work with. Its flavour and fragrance have elevated their dishes to a whole new level and are said to have inspired them to create numerous recipes.

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant, the owner of Michelin-starred restaurants Saint Pierre and Shoukouwa in Singapore, has noted how there is such “finesse in the product”.

Made affordable with its yield

Each 1kg bag of Sameza’s basmati costs about $7. Even though this may seem expensive, it is actually pretty affordable.

The reason? It yields so much more.

With normal white rice and typical basmati, 1 cup would usually yield about 2 or 2 and a half cups of cooked rice respectively. These pale in comparison to Sameza, where 1 cup of Sameza’s basmati would yield 4 cups of cooked rice.

The basmati is available on Sameza’s website or in stores at Cold Storage, Huber’s Butchery, Jasons Deli, Redmart and Lazada.

Images: Sameza’s