Traditional Rices and their Health Benefits
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.