What is fragrant rice?

Aromatic or fragrant rice varieties have an associated flavor. The Basmati rices of Pakistan and India and the jasmine-type rice of Thailand are the aromatic cultivars commonly encountered in world trade.

The fragrant varieties usually have soft to intermediate cooled grain texture and high elongation on cooking. The aroma of fragrant rice is often described as pandanus-like and in some Asian cultures dried pandanus leaf is added to non-fragrant rice while cooking to impart a characteristics Basmati/Jasmine scent.

Whilst continue to be a major rice exporter, the US has also become an importer of Asian rice since the late 1980s. Most of it has been fragrant rice such as jasmine rice from Thailand and basmati from India and Pakistan these are qualities which the United Sates does not produce.

They are long-grain rices, but their fragrant characteristics distinguish them from normal long-grain rice of the kind which the US does produce.

People from different nations have different taste preferences. In India and Pakistan fragrant rices bring the highest prices, yet in some western market fragrant rice may give perception of being spoiled.
What is fragrant rice?