Flavorful, long-grained, aromatic Basmati rice is revered as a sattvic (pure) food by ayurvedic healers.

Basmati rice is excellent for pacifying Vata, especially when cooked with a touch of rock salt and ghee.

Basmati rice is also good for pacifying Pitta, as it falls in the sweet ayurvedic taste category. To pacify Pitta, enjoy Basmati rice in a rice pudding, or cooked with a pinch of cardamom and some rose water.

If you are trying to balance Kapha, eat smaller portions of Basmati rice and eat it less often than other grains. Cook the rice with peppercorns, ginger and cumin when trying to balance Kapha, and eat it at lunch rather than in the evening.

Historically, the best, most flavorful Basmati rice has come from the Himalayan foothills. Basmati rice is now widely grown in many other parts of the world. Aged Basmati rice is more flavorful, and needs a little more time and a little more water to cook to perfection than 'new' Basmati rice.

Basmati rice is available at Indian and Asian groceries and in many health food stores and supermarkets.

Store the raw rice in a clean, tightly-sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place. Wash well by rinsing multiple times (until the water runs clear) before cooking.

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