paddy-varieties

Traditional Paddy/Rice Varieties of Tamil Nadu

There were more than 1000+ varieties of rice in ancient Tamil Nadu. But as of now only few of the traditional varieties of rice are in use. We can look into the insights on some of the most important traditional rice varieties.

Nel Jayaraman, An ardent follower of Nammalvar began his quest to revive native paddy varieties that led him to fame. Nel Jayaraman, the celebrated farmer from Tamil Nadu who revived over 170 traditional varieties of paddy in the state.  But he did not just stop there. He distributed the conserved seeds to farmers at rice festivals to make them easily available. What started on a small-scale grew into a huge movement. Today, around 40,000 peasants across Tamilnadu are cultivating indigenous rice varieties.

1.     MAPPILAI SAMBA

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Description

MAPPILAI SAMBA Duration à  155-160 days Season àJul-Jan Height à 120 cms

About ü  Mappilai Samba a traditional rice variety that had almost slipped into oblivion is now gaining popularity. It is known for its strength-giving properties. ü  It got its name from having been fed to potential bridegrooms so that they could pass the test of strength to win the bride. ü  Today this rice in its unpolished form is becoming popular for health reasons and also because it has a relatively lower glycaemic index. Benefits ü  It has numerous Micronutrients and hence consuming it gives enough vital nutrients required to strengthen the body. Vitamin B1 is abundantly present in this type of rice which helps in preventing stomach problems and ulcers. ü  It improves sexual vigour. It is very good for bridegroom who is going to get married ü  It strengthens immune system, Increase brain strength, Reduces body heat ü  Good for diabetics persons, Fibrous in nature, Fights against cancer Recipes ü  It takes longer to cook, many prefer to use the red rice as flour to prepare popular South Indian snacks like puttu, kozhukattai and adai with the Mappilai Samba rice. Similarly the Poha (flattened rice) and puffed rice (pori/kurmura) made with Mappilai Samba are superlative. ü  Idly, Dosai, Pongal or Kanji/Porridge can be made from this rice

2.     KALANAMAK

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Description

KALANAMAK / BLACK SALT RICE Duration à  120-140 days Season à Samba Jul 15 – Jan 15 Height à

About ü  Kalanamak is one of the finest quality scented rices of India. It derives its name from black husk (kala = black; the suffix ‘namak’ means salt). ü  A Chinese monk wrote ”When Gautam Budhha visited Kapilvastu for first time  after attaining enlightment; he gifted Kala namak to the local people as “Prasad”.  He asked them to sow it in marshy land, it is due to this reason this rice is also called as “Buddha’s Gift”. This variety has been in cultivation since the Buddhist period (600 BC). Benefits ü  Kalanamak rice is rich in micro-nutrients such as Iron and Zinc. Therefore, having this rice is said to prevent diseases borne out of Iron and Zinc deficiencies. It is said that regular intake of Kalanamak rice can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. ü  Kala namak has amylose content of 20% which makes it fluffier and firm when cooked. ü  It is most commonly used by Buddhists in their diet, which give them healthy and longer life. ü  It contains antioxidant “anthocyanin” and prevents heart diseases, skin diseases. ü  It finds its application in case of Diabetes, BP and Alzheimer’s disease patients. ü  It is rich in 40 mineral salts.  It is used to cure nerve disorders, kidney problems, cancer, skin diseases, blood pressure and diabetes. Recipes ü

3.     KATTUYANAM

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Description

KATTUYANAM Duration à   Season à Height à

About ü  The name has two parts – kadu meaning forest and yanai meaning elephant.The grain in the field grows more than 7 foot tall and even an elephant can disappear amidst the crop. Hence the name to this indigenous healthy rice variety is Kattuyaanam. ü  Kattu Yanam is one of the red rice varieties. Benefits ü  It controls Diabetes, improves overall health of children, boosts immunity and protects against skin problems. ü  It is rich in calcium, minerals, vitamins, potassium and magnesium. ü  This unpolished rice improves heart health and decreases cholesterol ü  This rice has a high fibre content which enhances digestion. ü  It is Par-Boiled rice. It is also called as “the enemy of diabetes”. Recipes ü  Flattened rice made from this rice variety is suitable for making rice payasam (a South Indian sweet dish).  ü  It is also suitable for the preparation of idly, dosa, idiyappam, flattened rice and porridge

4.     KARUPPU KAVUNI

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Description

KARUPPU KAVUNI Duration à   Season à Height à

About ü  It is commonly known by the name Emperor’s rice. It is also known as purple rice or Forbidden rice. The reason why this type of rice is called by royal terms is that, it enriches the health and ensures the longevity. ü  It is used to prepare varieties of desserts during ancient times. Earlier in those days, one has to get consent from the royals to consume it, as it is believed that it cures almost all the body related problems. ü  It is said that China was the first to use this type of rice. The black color pigmentation is due to the presence of anthocyanin in it, which is normally present in blueberries and blackberries. It has a nutty flavour. ü  Since they are very rich in phytonutrients, consuming it shields you from major risks of heart, intestinal problems, liver problems and much more. Benefits ü  Black rice is highly rich in Fibre content This type of rice has highest level of antioxidants than any other type of rice ü  variety. As we know antioxidants helps to fight the free radicals (Causes damages to the tissues and cells) which are released from ü  the human body. It also reduces inflammation. ü  Consuming black rice on regular basis, reduces the risk of Asthma ü  It acts as a wonderful Detox for liver ü  It also helps in prevention of diabetes. ü  It absolutely reduces atherosclerosis – Consuming Black rice helps in removal of fatty materials which gets deposited in the inner walls of arteries. ü  It also prevents the disease which arises due to this. ü  It entirely controls the Hypertension ü  It completely reduces cholesterol (LDL – Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol) ü  It helps in preventing Cancer ü  It improves the digestive system ü  It enhances the growth of hair and increases eye sight. Recipes ü  Idly                 ü  Dosa                 ü  Puttu                ü  Plain rice for Meals ü  Black rice Risotto

5.     THUYAMALLI

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Description

THUYAMALLI Duration à   Season à Height à

About ü  As the name indicates in Tamil, Thuyamalli is Thuya (Pure) + Malli (Jasmine), pure jasmine. The reason why pure Jasmine was given to this type of rice is just because of its resemblance of the bud of Jasmine flower. ü  Further this rice type doesn’t require much pesticide. It is one of the indigenous rice variety of TamilNadu. ü  It is a pear colored and it is milled rice. ü  Having said that, there are people, who are still following our ancestor’s footsteps and consuming our traditional rice varieties. But, only certain types of food create the fondness, when tasted it once. Thuyamalli rice is one among them. Benefits ü  It not only strengthens the Nervous system, but keeps the entire nerves in the body to be active. ü  It prevents diabetics completely ü  It is pretty simple to cook and helps is easy digestion ü  Helps the skin to be free from wrinkling and keeps it hale and healthy ü  Eating this rice, helps us to be active both physically and mentally ü  One of the best benefit is, it prevents the internal organs from quick ageing. Recipes ü  Briyani ü  Idly – Idlies made using this rice are really gorgeous. ü  Dosa ü  Plain rice ü  Lemon rice ü  Tomato rice ü  Tiffin items

6.     SEERAGA SAMBA

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Description

SEERAGA SAMBA Duration à   Season à Height à

About ü  Having TamilNadu as native, Seeraga Samba (Seera) is the most expensive rice grown. It has ovular grain and has a distinct taste with starch flavour. ü  Details regarding this variety are found in Pazhani copper inscriptions and several traditional medical texts. The famous musical saint Sri. Thiyagaraja in one of his compositions has mentioned that though there are several varieties of rice they are not equivalent to Seeraga Samba and similarly though there are many Gods they are not equivalent to Lord Rama.  Because it resembles the shape of jeera, it is named as Seeraga Samba.  ü  The grain is much harder than the other types. On the contrary, it looks less fluffy and loose when cooked. ü  Since this variety is aromatic, it fetches the highest price amongst all traditional paddy varieties of Tamil Nadu.  The rice is extremely fine and aromatic and hence it is used for making Biriyani. There should be no waterlogging in the area  where it is cultivated. It helps to cure Vatha related disorders and it is easy to digest.. Benefits ü  It helps in fighting cancer – Since this type of rice has selenium in it, consuming it prevents the occurrence of colon and intestinal cancer. ü  It has higher Calorific value It is highly rich in fiber and anti-oxidants. This helps to eradicate free radicals from the intestinal tract and colon. ü  It reduces and controls the cholesterol level – It means that this type of rice reduces bad cholesterol called LDL (Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol)and increases good cholesterol called as HDL (High-density Lipoprotein cholesterol) in your body ü  It acts as a shield to the heart and strengthens it. ü  Since this type of rice has ample amount of phytonutrients in it, consuming it helps women to be free from breast cancer. ü  It is easy to digest and helps to get rid of constipation. Recipes ü  Birayani & Plain Rice

7.     KICHILI SAMBA

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Description

KICHILI SAMBA Duration à   Season à Height à

About ü  Kitchili refers to a fruit and probably it derives its name to the resemblance of this fruit.  It has a pale orange thin grain (colour resembling that of a kitchili fruit) natural fragrance like citrus fruit.   It is also called as “Thoppikaran Vidhai” or “Porukku Vidhai”. ü  This type of crop requires less fertilizer. ü  There are a few variants in this type of rice. But some of them are prominent, which are Ahttur Kichili Samba, Arcot Kichili Samba and Ottu kichili Samba. ü  This type of rice has a unique flavor which improves the taste of curries and sambar when consumed together.This type of rice has been consumed by the royal family in ancient days.. Benefits ü  It is digested very fast.  ü  If properly cooked kitchili samba rice is consumed it enables weight gain. ü  It helps in Strengthening of body and muscles ü  Makes skin look glossy ü  It boosts the immune system and keeps us away from various diseases Recipes ü  Plain rice ü  Briyani ü  Sweet ü  kozhukattai (Steam rice dumplings) ü  Suitable for ü  preparing tiffin

8.     POONGAR

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Description

POONGAR Duration à   Season à Height à

About ü  This type of rice has more iron, magnesium and zinc compared to other colored grains. ü  It has got a nutty flavor. ü  The color of the rice is slightly reddish and the reason for that is the presence of anthocyanin in it. As we know antioxidants helps to fight the free radicals (Causes damages to the tissues and cells) which are released from the human body. ü  It can grow in saline soils both during droughts and floods.. Benefits ü  Apart from Iron and Zinc, it contains manganese, phosphorus, molybdenum, magnesium ü  It is wonderful cure for Women’s Hormonal problems. It Enhances stamina and boosts the immune system. ü  It gives stamina and health to our body.  Provides strength to pregnant women and enables them to have smooth delivery.  Pregnant women are advised to have porridge of this variety every day.   It has high zinc content and also provides strength to the cartilage. ü  It is highly recommended for pregnant women and lactating mothers, as it provides strength to the body. It is normally given to them in the form of Kanji (Porridge)Vitamin B1 is abundantly present in this type of rice which helps in preventing stomach problems and ulcers. ü  It increases hemoglobin content in the blood When consumed as Pazhaya Soru/Neeragaram (locally termed as Ice Biryani), we would get enough nutrients and vitamin B complex. ü  It provides strength to the body and controls/prevents from paralysis ü  It has numerous micronutrients and hence consuming it gives enough vital nutrients required to strengthen the body ü  It helps the persons who are suffering from celiac disease to completely recover from it. Since rice is glutton/wheat free, it is highly recommended for these types of hereditary problems. ü  It contains 3grams of dietary fibre, approximately 48 grams of Carbohydrates and 8% protein in every 50grams served. ü  This rice when consumed, avoids mixing of glucose in the blood stream when compared to the consumption of other rice varieties. Thus, it is best suited for diabetic patients. It kicks out bad sweat developed in our body. ü  Consuming this type of rice on a regular basis, baby will be hale and healthy when born. ü  Excessive cholesterol in the body may block the blood circulation which eventually leads to heart attack. Consuming it helps in lowering the Cholesterol level in your body. It is high in fibre which helps in easy digestion. ü  It also lowers the heart risks, obesity related problems and induces appetite. Recipes ü  Idly, Dosa, Plain Rice