Jute retail
5 kg and 10 kg sizes. +$20-$30/MT vs standard BOPP.
Processing Type / Steam (Lightly Steamed)
1121 Steam Basmati Rice from Pakistan
Lightly steamed before milling. Firm, separate grains with full 1121 aroma. The aged-white alternative without the 12-month wait, FOB Karachi.
8.3mm
Raw grain length
22mm+
Cooked length
62-66%
Whole-kernel yield
18-20min
Cook time
15mo
Shelf life
1121 FOB Karachi
Aggregate Range
$1,095 . $1,240
USD per Metric Tonne · FOB Karachi · All processing types
1121 Steam Basmati FOB Karachi Price
1121 Steam Basmati ships FOB Karachi at $1,200 to $1,240 per MT, the highest band of the four 1121 processing types. The premium reflects concentrated buyer demand from Iran and the GCC, where Steam is the preferred grade for chelo, polow, and long-hold biryani. White runs $1,165 to $1,205, Sella $1,095 to $1,135, Golden Sella $1,110 to $1,150.
Prices refresh against our live 1121 basmati price sheet every six hours. A confirmed quote is valid 48 hours and includes pre-shipment inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek) subject to MOQ. Indicative numbers in static copy; the confirmed quote is the binding figure.
2,000 MT in stock. 5 MT per hour milling. 50+ countries shipped. Quote in 24 business hours. Six certifications: ISO 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP, Halal, FDA, GMP. Inspected by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek at 99% first-pass.
1121 Steam Basmati Specifications
Export-grade 1121 Steam against every Iran, GCC, and East Africa spec sheet we have shipped against. Numbers below are guaranteed on every container, audited at the mill before stuffing and verified on pre-shipment inspection on 1121 basmati shipments.
| Variety | 1121 Basmati |
|---|---|
| Processing | Lightly steamed before milling |
| Grain length (raw) | 8.3 mm |
| Grain length (cooked) | 22 mm+ |
| Elongation ratio | 2.5x+ |
| Whole-kernel yield | 62-66% |
| Broken percentage | Nil (0-2% export grade) |
| Moisture (max) | 13.5% |
| Chalky kernels (max) | 3% |
| Appearance | Slightly off-white |
| Aroma | Distinctive floral/nutty, near-full retention |
| Cook time | 18-20 minutes |
| Shelf life | 15 months |
| HS code | 1006.30 (EU basmati-specific 1006.30.27) |
| Origin | Punjab, Pakistan (Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura) |
| FOB Karachi | $1,200 - $1,240/MT |
Why 1121 Steam Carries the Highest FOB Price
Demand for 1121 Steam is geographically concentrated. Iran absorbs a large share of global volume for chelo and polow, where firm, separate grains hold up to the gentle long-cook tahdig method. The GCC takes most of the remainder, often substituting Steam for aged White at retail.
Two structural factors reinforce the premium. Whole-kernel yield is 62-66%, lower than Sella's 68-72%, which raises per-MT mill cost. And Steam buyers are repeat traders who lock annual volumes, so spot supply tightens fast in Q1-Q2. The result: a $1,200 to $1,240 FOB band that runs $35-75 above 1121 Basmati White and roughly $100 above 1121 Sella Basmati.
Steam vs Raw White: When Each Wins
The choice is about cooking behavior, not quality. Both are export-grade 1121 with identical raw grain length and origin.
Choose Steam if your buyers cook chelo, polow, or any long, gentle method. Steam holds shape under extended heat. It works for biryanis that need to survive a 4-hour buffet. Shelf life is 15 months. Cook time 18-20 minutes.
Choose Raw White if your retail market prizes maximum aroma and the fluffy, separate-grain biryani profile. White cooks in 15-17 minutes, fluffs more, and releases more of the signature 1121 floral note. Shelf life 12 months.
For a side-by-side decision matrix covering all four processing types, see our White vs Sella vs Steam buyer's guide.
| Attribute | 1121 Steam | 1121 Raw White |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Light steaming pre-mill | Direct milling, no parboil |
| Color | Slightly off-white | Bright white, pearly |
| Cook time | 18-20 min | 15-17 min |
| Shelf life | 15 months | 12 months |
| FOB Karachi | $1,200 to $1,240 | $1,165 to $1,205 |
| Top markets | Iran, GCC, East Africa | UAE, UK, EU |
| Best for | Chelo, polow, long-hold biryani | Aroma-forward biryani, fast retail turnover |
Cooking Behavior. Chelo, Polow, and Biryani.
For chelo (Iranian plain rice), rinse three times, soak 30-60 minutes in salted water, parboil 6-8 minutes, drain, then steam-finish 20-30 minutes over low heat with a cloth-wrapped lid. Steam grains hold separation through the tahdig stage without breaking.
For polow (Iranian layered rice), the same parboil-then-steam method applies. Layer with herbs, lentils, or barberries; Steam grains stay distinct rather than fusing into the additions.
For biryani, parboil 7 minutes in heavily salted water with whole spices, drain, layer over masala, dum 25 minutes on low heat. Steam delivers the long, separate grain that survives the dum stage and the serving line.
Total cook time bottom-line: 18-20 minutes plain method, 25-35 minutes layered. Full cooking guide.
Milling Grades for 1121 Steam
We supply 1121 Steam in four milling grades. Choose based on your retail or food-service positioning.
- Brown Steam. Husk removed, bran intact, color sorted. EU buyers importing for further milling.
- Reasonably Well Milled. Bran removed, natural finish, not pearly. Bulk food service, parboiled-rice blenders.
- Extra Well Milled. Thorough bran removal, clean appearance. Mid-market retail.
- Silky Polished. Water polisher for silky finish, color sorted for uniform color. Premium GCC retail, Iran private label.
Never use "Well Milled" alone; the correct grade name is Reasonably Well Milled.
Packaging Options for 1121 Steam
| Bag | Material | Per 20' FCL | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 kg | PP woven | 500-540 (25-27 MT) | Wholesale, food service |
| 25 kg | PP/BOPP woven | 1,000-1,080 (25-27 MT) | Wholesale, food service |
| 10 kg | BOPP or non-woven | Varies | Retail |
| 5 kg | BOPP or non-woven | Varies | Retail |
Inner poly liner is not standard on 25 and 50 kg bags (available at extra cost). It is included on 5 and 10 kg bags. Minimum packaging is 5 kg; we do not produce 1 kg or 2 kg bags. Custom-print minimums: 15,000 bags BOPP laminated, 5,000 bags non-woven, 20,000 standup pouches. Full reference at 1121 basmati packaging options.
25 kg distribution
Included in FOB. 1,000-1,080 bags per 20' FCL.
50 kg wholesale
Included in FOB. 500-540 bags per 20' FCL.
Top Markets for 1121 Steam Basmati
Iran (deepest market). Karachi to Bandar Abbas runs 7 to 12 days. Required: ISIRI compliance plus Halal. Iran prefers Silky Polished Steam in 10 kg and 25 kg formats. Payment: T/T 30/70 typical given L/C constraints. See our 1121 Basmati for Iran import guide.
GCC (Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, UAE). 7 to 18 days transit. Halal plus SGS pre-shipment. Steam is the aged-white alternative at retail. See 1121 Basmati for UAE buyers and 1121 Steam for Oman.
Iraq. Umm Qasr, ~30 days transit. COC plus Halal. Steam often blends with Sella for institutional contracts. See 1121 Basmati for Iraq.
East Africa. Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. Steam preferred over White for the longer cook methods common in the region.
Aged vs New Crop 1121 Steam
New-crop Steam is harvested October to December and exports from January. Aroma is at peak in the first six months. Aged Steam (12+ months climate-controlled storage) gains additional firmness and a deeper amber-tinted off-white tone, plus a $40-$60/MT premium and $15-$20/MT carrying cost.
For most buyers, new-crop Steam delivers the firmness profile that would otherwise require aged White. That is the structural appeal: Steam replicates aged-white cooking behavior on new-crop economics. See our aged vs new crop 1121 explainer for the full economics and timing, and the 1121 basmati harvest calendar for crop-year timing.
1121 Steam Basmati Rice FAQs
What is 1121 steam basmati rice?
1121 Steam Basmati is paddy that's lightly steamed before milling, then husked and polished. The steam treatment is gentler than the soak-steam-dry process used for Sella, so the rice keeps more of the floral 1121 aroma while gaining the firm, non-sticky grain structure that buyers expect from aged white basmati. Raw grain length is 8.3mm; cooked length runs 22mm or more with 2.5x+ elongation. Whole-kernel yield sits at 62-66%, between White (58-62%) and Sella (68-72%). Appearance is slightly off-white, lighter than Sella's amber tone. Iran and the GCC are the deepest markets. See our full 1121 specifications for moisture, broken percentages, and chalky kernel limits.
What is the FOB Karachi price for 1121 steam basmati?
1121 Steam Basmati ships from Karachi at $1,200 to $1,240 per MT FOB, the highest of the four 1121 processing types. The premium reflects concentrated demand from Iran and the GCC, where Steam is preferred over Raw White for chelo and polow. By comparison: White is $1,165-$1,205, Sella $1,095-$1,135, and Golden Sella $1,110-$1,150. Prices are indicative and refreshed against our live 1121 basmati price sheet every six hours. A confirmed quote is valid 48 hours and includes pre-shipment inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek subject to MOQ. Payment terms: L/C at sight or T/T 30/70.
Why is 1121 steam more expensive than 1121 white or sella?
Three reasons. First, demand concentration. Iran alone absorbs a large share of global 1121 Steam volume for chelo and polow, where the firmer grain holds up to the tahdig method. The GCC takes most of the rest. Second, Steam delivers the firm, separate cook that aged White is famous for, without the 12 to 18 month aging period and $40-$60/MT carrying cost. Buyers pay a premium today instead of waiting. Third, processing yield is lower than Sella (62-66% vs 68-72%), so per-MT cost from the mill is higher. The result is a $1,200-$1,240 FOB band, $35-75 above 1121 White and roughly $100 above Sella.
What is the MOQ for 1121 steam basmati and what quantity per container?
Minimum order is 2 x 20' FCL, approximately 52 MT total. We ship 1121 Steam only in 20' FCL, never 40'. Each 20' FCL loads 25 to 27 MT depending on packaging: 500 to 540 bags at 50 kg, 1,000 to 1,080 bags at 25 kg. Mixed FCLs are possible if you want Steam plus another 1121 processing type in the same container, useful for buyers testing multiple grades on a first shipment. Private-label minimum jumps to 5 x 20' FCL (~130 MT) because of custom bag setup. Quote your target volume in our RFQ form and we will return FOB Karachi + CNF to your port within 24 business hours.
1121 steam vs raw white basmati: which should I import?
Steam wins on three criteria: firmness, separation, and shelf life. Steam grains hold their shape under the long, gentle heat of chelo, polow, and pilaf. Raw White fluffs more, releases more aroma, and cooks faster (15-17 minutes vs 18-20 for Steam). If your retail market wants the maximum-aroma, separate-grain biryani profile, Raw White is the answer. If your buyers cook chelo, polow, or want a biryani that survives a 4-hour buffet line, Steam is better. Shelf life: Steam delivers 15 months vs 12 for White. See our White vs Sella vs Steam buyer's guide for a full decision matrix.
Can I import 1121 steam basmati to Iran via Bandar Abbas?
Yes. Iran is the deepest 1121 Steam market globally. Transit Karachi to Bandar Abbas runs 7 to 12 days. Iranian import requires ISIRI compliance (Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran) plus Halal certification, both of which we cover from our 6-cert stack (ISO 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP, Halal, FDA, GMP). Pre-shipment inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek is included subject to MOQ; 99% of our shipments clear first-pass. Payment terms for Iran-bound shipments are typically T/T 30/70 given L/C constraints. See our full 1121 Basmati for Iran import guide for documentation, packaging norms, and CNF Bandar Abbas estimates.
How does 1121 steam compare to aged 1121 white?
Functionally, Steam replicates much of what aged White delivers, faster and at a predictable price. Aged White needs 12 to 18 months in climate-controlled storage to develop the firmness, separation, and elongation that GCC retail demands. That adds $15-$20/MT in storage cost and $40-$60/MT in market premium, on top of the 12-month opportunity cost. Steam delivers comparable grain integrity from new-crop paddy through light pre-milling steam treatment. Aroma is slightly less than fully aged White, but elongation and separation are very close. For buyers who cannot wait or absorb aged-stock premiums, Steam is the operational answer. See our aged vs new crop 1121 explainer for the full economics.
Compare the Other Three 1121 Processing Types
1121 Basmati White runs $1,165-$1,205/MT with maximum aroma and fastest cook, dominating UAE, UK, and EU. 1121 Sella Basmati is parboiled golden at $1,095-$1,135/MT with an 18-month shelf, the standard for Saudi Arabia and Iraq. 1121 Golden Sella runs $1,110-$1,150/MT with deeper parboiling and extra-firm grain for Saudi Arabia and Iraq retail. Mixed FCLs across all four processing types are routine against a single PI. Full 4-way comparison on our live 1121 basmati price sheet.
1121 Basmati White
Raw milled. Bright white, pearly finish, maximum aroma.
FOB Karachi: $1,165 - $1,205/MT
View details →
1121 Sella Basmati
Parboiled. Creamy golden, firm, non-sticky. GCC favorite.
FOB Karachi: $1,095 - $1,135/MT
View details →
1121 Golden Sella Basmati
Deeper parboiling. Deep amber color, extra firm grain.
FOB Karachi: $1,110 - $1,150/MT
View details →For inspection methodology across all rice types, see the pre-shipment inspection guide for all rice types at pakistanrice.com.
Get Your 1121 Steam Basmati Quote
Confirmed FOB or CNF quote in 24 business hours. Pricing valid 48 hours. Pre-shipment inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek included at MOQ. 6 certifications: ISO 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP, Halal, FDA, GMP.