Sun, 03 May 2026 13:10:11 +0000

France Finally Banned Jasmine Rice—What Has Basmati Gained? In a surprising regulatory shift, France has officially banned the sale of jasmine rice within its borders, marking a bold step in agricultural policy and cultural food identity. For years, French consumers and chefs have praised the delicate aroma and soft texture of jasmine rice, a fragrant long-grain variety traditionally associated with Asian cuisine. Yet, recent government action has taken jasmine rice off French restaurant menus and grocery shelves—prompting a key question: What has basmati rice gained in this shift? ### The Rise of Basmati in Europe’s Culinary Landscape While jasmine rice was banned, basmati rice—another prized aromatic long-grain variety—has emerged as France’s new aromatic staple. Native to the Indian subcontinent and prized for its nutty fragrance and delicate flavor, basmati has steadily gained popularity across European markets, especially in France, where it’s increasingly embraced in fine dining and home cooking.