Sona Masuri in the context of "South Indian cuisine"

Aromatic rice is one of the major types of rice. It is a medium- to long-grained rice. It is known for its nutty aroma and taste, which is caused by the chemical compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Varieties of aromatic rice include Ambemohar, Basmati, Jasmine, Radhunipagal, Sona Masuri, Texmati, Tulaipanji, Tulshimala, Wehani, Kalijira, Chinigura, Gobindobhog, Kali Mooch and wild Pecan rice. When cooked, the grains have a light and fluffy texture except for Gobindobhog rice which is sticky in texture.

Aromatic rice produces more 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline than usual due to a loss-of-function mutation in the BADH2 gene. The BADH2 mutation can be transferred by conventional breeding; it is a recessive trait. Gene editing can be used to induce a similar mutation in ordinary rice, turning them aromatic without affecting other traits.