What aging does to 1121
Controlled aging dehydrates the grain over months, hardens the starch matrix, and concentrates aromatic compounds. The result: greater elongation on cooking, firmer cooked texture, more pronounced aroma. The trade-off is storage cost ($15-$20/MT for 12-18 months climate-controlled) and time.
New crop profile
Punjab harvest runs October to December; harvest timing details here. New crop reaches export from January. It is the cheapest format ($40-$60/MT below aged) but cooks softer, with less elongation and a milder aroma. Suits food-service contracts where price sensitivity outweighs the aroma premium.
Aged 12-18 months
The retail standard. GCC private-label brands and EU branded retail typically specify aged 1121. Elongation rises to 2.5x consistently; aroma carries through to the plate. Premium $40-$80/MT over new crop reflects storage cost plus the consumer-perceived quality lift.
Premium aged 24+ months
Used selectively in luxury private-label SKUs and high-end restaurant specifications. $100+/MT premium over aged. Limited availability; production decisions made at harvest time bind a percentage of the lot to extended storage.
When to buy
Aged 1121 supply peaks January-March (12-18 months from prior October harvest). New crop floods January-April. Pre-Ramadan demand pulls aged retail volumes from January through Ramadan start. Steam is a useful alternative when aged White is constrained: Steam delivers comparable firmness to aged White without the storage wait.
Request a quote specifying "aged" in the notes if you need the premium grade. Daily FOB ranges reflect aged baseline pricing.