Aromatic rice is one of the major types of rice.[1] It is a medium- to long-grained rice. It is known for its nutty aroma and taste, which is caused by the chemical compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.[2] Varieties of aromatic rice include Ambemohar, Basmati, Jasmine, Sona Masuri, Texmati, Tulaipanji, Tulshimala, Wehani, Kalijira, Chinigura, Gobindobhog, Kali Mooch and wild Pecan rice. [3] When cooked, the grains have a light and fluffy texture except for Gobindobhog rice which is sticky in texture.
Aromatic rice produces more 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline than usual due to a loss-of-function mutation in the BADH2 gene. Gene editing can be used to induce a similar mutation in ordinary rice, turning them aromatic without affecting other traits.[4]