A rice spec sheet can look like a wall of numbers. Each line is there for a reason, though, and understanding them helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid surprises at the destination port.
Average grain length (AGL)
The average length of whole milled grains, measured in millimetres before cooking. Extra-long basmati such as 1121 averages around 8.3 mm. Everyday non-basmati such as IR-64 averages around 6.4 mm. Always compare AGL for the same process, since sella and raw can measure slightly differently.
Broken percentage
The share of grains that are less than three-quarters of a whole grain's length. Premium basmati is often specified at 1 to 2% broken, while value grades may allow 5% or more. Fewer brokens mean a better-looking plate and a higher price.
Moisture
The water content of the milled rice, usually a maximum of 12 to 14%. Too much moisture risks mould and insect damage during a long sea voyage. Too little can make grains brittle.
Purity and admixture
Purity is the share of the named variety in the lot. Admixture is anything else, such as other rice varieties. For basmati, purity matters for authenticity as well as quality.
Damaged, discoloured and chalky grains
- Damaged: grains marked by insects, heat or disease.
- Discoloured: yellow or off-colour grains, often from poor drying or storage.
- Chalky: grains with opaque white patches, which break more easily and cook unevenly.
Foreign matter
Stones, husk, dust and other non-rice material. Good mills clean rice through sieves, de-stoners and optical colour sorters, so foreign matter should be close to zero.
Elongation after cooking
How much longer the grain gets when cooked, as a ratio of raw length. It's the basmati hallmark: 1121 is known for doubling in length or more.
Crop year and ageing
Basmati is often aged for months after harvest. Aged rice cooks more separate and fluffy, while fresh rice can turn sticky. Specify the crop year if your market cares.
Pesticide residue
Markets such as the EU and UK set strict maximum residue limits (MRLs) for certain pesticides. If you import into them, ask for a lab report against those limits for each lot.
Every AMAFHH lot is tested for moisture, broken percentage, length and purity before packing, and we share the report before loading. See our rice specifications.