Ever wondered why some rice dishes turn out fluffy and separate, while others become a sticky clump? The secret often lies in the grain itself! Long grain rice is a kitchen superstar, but navigating the aisles filled with Basmati, Jasmine, and plain long grain can feel like a maze. You want that perfect, light texture for your pilaf or stir-fry, but picking the wrong bag can lead to disappointing meals.
Choosing the right long grain rice matters more than you think. It affects everything from the taste of your curry to how well your fried rice reheats. Many home cooks struggle with mushy outcomes or grains that don’t absorb flavor properly. This guide cuts through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you will clearly understand the different types of long grain rice, what makes them unique, and how to select the perfect variety for any recipe. Get ready to transform your rice game from ordinary to absolutely perfect!
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 pantry staple for many kitchens. Its light, fluffy texture makes it perfect for a wide variety of dishes. Choosing the best long grain rice can be tricky with so many options available. This guide will help you select the perfect bag for your next meal.
Key Features to Look For
Grain Length and Shape
The defining feature is the grain length. True long grain rice measures at least three times longer than it is wide. Look for descriptions that emphasize this ratio. Longer grains usually mean fluffier rice because they have less surface starch (amylopectin) that makes rice sticky.
Type of Milling
You will see rice labeled in a few ways:
- White Rice: The bran and germ are completely removed. This rice cooks faster and stores longer.
- Brown Rice: Only the outer hull is removed. This retains more nutrients and fiber.
- Enriched Rice: Nutrients lost during milling are added back in. Check the label to see if your chosen rice is enriched.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Most plain long grain rice has a mild, neutral flavor. However, some varieties, like Basmati or Jasmine (which are specific types of long grain rice), carry distinct, pleasant aromas. If you want rice to complement strong flavors, choose a neutral variety. If you want the rice to add flavor, select an aromatic type.
Important Materials and Processing
Rice is simply a grain, so the “material” is the rice kernel itself. However, how it is handled matters greatly.
Processing Methods
Parboiling is a key process some manufacturers use. This involves soaking, steaming, and drying the rice before milling. Parboiled long grain rice absorbs nutrients from the bran into the kernel before it becomes white rice. This results in rice that is more nutritious and less likely to stick together when cooked.
Packaging Integrity
Always check the packaging. Ensure the bag or box is sealed tightly. Exposure to air and moisture can reduce the rice’s shelf life and affect its texture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality
- Consistent Grain Size: High-quality rice has very few broken pieces or short grains mixed in. Uniformity helps the rice cook evenly.
- Proper Storage (Before Purchase): Rice stored in cool, dry warehouses maintains better quality.
- Age: Fresher rice generally tastes better. While dried rice lasts a long time, very old rice can sometimes cook up harder.
Factors That Reduce Quality
The biggest quality reducer is excessive starch on the surface. When manufacturers do not rinse or process the rice properly, high levels of surface starch cause the grains to clump together, resulting in gummy rice instead of fluffy rice.
User Experience and Use Cases
The experience you have with long grain rice largely depends on what you are cooking.
Fluffiness is Key
For dishes where you want separate, defined grains, long grain rice is the best choice. Think about dishes like:
- Pilafs and Biryanis: These dishes require rice that absorbs liquid without becoming mushy.
- Side Dishes for Curries: The light texture soaks up sauce beautifully without overpowering the main flavor.
- Fried Rice: Leftover, slightly dry long grain rice works perfectly for making excellent fried rice because the grains separate easily.
If you try to make sticky sushi rice with long grain rice, you will likely be disappointed. For sticky applications, short grain rice is the correct material.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long Grain Rice
Q: What is the main difference between long grain and medium grain rice?
A: Long grain rice is longer and cooks up fluffier and drier. Medium grain rice is shorter and wider; it becomes moister and slightly sticky when cooked.
Q: Does long grain rice always contain more nutrients than other types?
A: No. White long grain rice has had most nutrients removed. Brown long grain rice retains more fiber and vitamins, but the nutrient content depends on whether it is brown or white.
Q: Can I substitute long grain rice for Jasmine rice?
A: You can substitute it in a pinch, but Jasmine rice is a specific aromatic long grain. Your dish will miss the signature floral scent of true Jasmine rice.
Q: How much water do I need to cook long grain white rice?
A: A common ratio is 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Always check the specific package instructions, as ratios can vary slightly.
Q: Why does my long grain rice turn out sticky?
A: Sticky rice usually happens if you do not rinse the rice before cooking, leaving too much surface starch. It can also happen if you use too much water or overcook the rice.
Q: What is the best way to store uncooked long grain rice?
A: Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, like a pantry. This keeps pests out and maintains freshness.
Q: Is brown long grain rice healthier than white long grain rice?
A: Yes, brown long grain rice is generally healthier because it keeps the bran layer, which holds fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Q: Does the cooking time change if I use parboiled rice?
A: Parboiled rice often takes slightly longer to cook than regular milled white rice because the steaming process hardens the grain slightly.
Q: Can I use long grain rice for risotto?
A: No. Risotto requires high-starch, short or medium grain rice (like Arborio) so the starch releases and creates a creamy sauce. Long grain rice will not create the proper texture.
Q: What does “enriched” mean on a rice label?
A: Enriched means that certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B vitamins, were added back into the rice after the milling process removed them.