Fragrant Basmati rice. Basmati Rice Land of the South is a long-grain rice traditionally cultivated mainly in India and Pakistan. Basmati rice has a typical pandan-like taste (Pandanus amaryllifolius leaf) caused by the aromatic compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Basmati seeds naturally contain about 0.09 ppm of this aromatic chemical compound, a level that is about 12 times more than non-basmati rice varieties, giving basmati its distinctive aroma and taste. This natural aroma is also found in cheese, fruit, and other grains. It is an approved aromatic agent in the United States and Europe and is also used in bakery products for aroma. During cooking, the level of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is reduced. Soaking the rice for 30 minutes before cooking allows for 20% shorter cooking times and retains more of the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.