Traditional Rices and their Health Benefits Leave a comment
Complete Traditional Rice Varieties Guide
Explore the crop details, grain types, and traditional properties of major Indian traditional rice varieties preserved through generations.
Crop Details of Traditional Rice Varieties
| Rice Variety | Color / Grain Type | Crop Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Raktashali | Red, Fine grain | 110–115 days |
| Kullakar | Red, Bold grain | 110–115 days |
| Pungar | Red, Bold grain | 95–115 days |
| Karuppu Kavuni | Black, Long grain | 110–120 days |
| Mysore Mallige | White, Fine grain | 110–120 days |
| Chintaluru Sannalu | White, Fine grain | 110–120 days |
| Kujipatalia | White, Fine grain | 120–125 days |
| Indrani | White, Fine grain | 120–125 days |
| Navara | Red, Medium grain | 125–130 days |
| Ram Jeera | White, Short grain | 120–130 days |
| Ghani | White, Short grain | 125–130 days |
| Siddha Sannalu | White, Fine grain | 130–135 days |
| Gurumattiya | White, Bold grain | 130–135 days |
| Ratnachodi | White, Fine grain | 130–135 days |
| Mada Murangi | Red, Bold grain | 130–135 days |
| Kempu Sannalu | Red, Fine grain | 130–135 days |
| Dudeshwar | White, Fine grain | 130–135 days |
| Narayana Kamini | White, Fine grain | 130–140 days |
| Burma Black Long | Black, Long grain | 130–135 days |
| Burma Black Short | Black, Short grain | 130–135 days |
| Desi Basmati | White, Long grain | 130–135 days |
| Gandhasale | White, Short grain | 135–140 days |
| Veduru Sannalu | White, Bold grain | 135–145 days |
| Kamini Bhog | White, Short grain | 140–145 days |
| Illapu Samba | White, Fine grain | 140–145 days |
| Kalabatti / Kalabat | Black, Bold grain | 140–150 days |
| Bas Bhog | White, Short grain | 140–150 days |
| Radhuni Pagal | White, Short grain | 140–145 days |
| Bahuroopi | White, Bold grain | 140–150 days |
Traditional Rice Varieties & Their Properties
1. Raktashali
- Red rice variety
- Very high nutritional and medicinal value
- Ayurveda associates it with balancing Vata, Pitta, Kapha
- Believed to be 3000+ years old
- Also known as Erra Sali, Chennellu, Raktasali
- Considered highly valuable among red rice varieties
2. Karuppu Kavuni
- Black rice variety
- Suitable for weight management
- Associated traditionally with cholesterol support
- Useful in wellness-focused diets
- Also called “Anti-aging rice” traditionally
3. Kullakar
- Red rice variety
- Traditionally valued for women’s nourishment
- Associated with pregnancy support in traditional use
- Supports memory in children (traditional belief)
- Contains manganese, Vitamin B6, calcium, proteins, potassium, fiber
4. Pungar
- Red rice variety
- Rich in nutrients and proteins
- Traditionally associated with women’s hormonal balance
- Stimulates appetite
- Provides strength to the body
- Traditionally used during pregnancy
5. Mysore Mallige
- White rice variety
- Rich in nutrients and proteins
- Traditionally used for growing children
- Supports immunity
6. White Fine Grain Group
Kujipatalia, Sannajajulu, Chintaluru Sannalu, Siddha Sannalu
- Fat-free
- Sodium-free
- Low calorie
- Low glucose content
- Support immunity
7. Ratnachodi
- White fine-grain rice
- Rich in nutrients
- Supports muscle strength and balance
- Traditionally used as soldiers’ food
- Supports immunity
8. Bold Grain White Group
Bahuroopi, Gurumattiya, Veduru Sannalu
- Rich in nutrients, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc
- Traditionally associated with joint support
- Support immunity
9. Narayana Kamini
- White fine-grain rice
- Rich in nutrients, fiber, calcium
- Traditionally associated with joint support
- Supports immunity
10. Ghani
- White small-grain rice
- Rich in calcium and iron
- Provides body strength
- Suitable for rainy season cultivation
- Wind resistant crop
- Supports immunity
11. Indrani
- White aromatic fine-grain rice
- Rich in calcium, iron, Vitamin D
- Liked by children and adults
- Supports bone strength
- Improves digestion
12. Illapu Samba
- White fine-grain rice
- Traditionally associated with migraine/sinus support
- Supports immunity
22. Black Rice Group
Kalabatti, Kalabat, Burma Black, Manipur Black
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains Vitamin B, E, Niacin, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Fiber
- Helps in weightloss
- Contain anthocyanins
- Support immune enzyme activity
- Highly valued traditional grains
24. Mapillai Samba
- Red rice variety
- Traditionally associated with reproductive vitality
- Supports muscle strength
- Supports vitality and immunity
25. Navara
- Ancient red rice from Kerala Ayurveda
- Traditionally associated with sugar management support
- Supports joint and nerve strength
- Used in Ayurvedic therapies
- Suitable for all age groups
- Unique: can sprout even after milling
26. Rajamudi
- Red-white mixed rice
- Historically grown for Mysore kings
- Rich in fiber, antioxidants, zinc, iron
- Supports weakness recovery
- Supports skin health and immunity
Important Note
- Traditional rice varieties generally have higher potential to support immunity compared to many modern hybrid varieties
- Some observations suggest Navara rice may support sugar balance when used consistently as part of diet
- Traditional seeds grown without chemicals are valued for better nutritional quality
Where to Buy
You can now buy these traditional rice varieties from Deltarice.in where buyers can buy from farmers.
⚠ Disclaimer
This content is based on traditional knowledge and general nutrition understanding. We do not claim any medical cure. Consult a healthcare professional for medical conditions.