Taking the time out to appreciate some indigenous/traditional rice varieties of India. Some are really tasty, some take a little getting used to; but every one of them have health benefits that are amazing!
#1 : Rajamudi Rice
Rajamudi’, is a variety of red rice that was earlier grown exclusively for the Wadiyars or Maharajas of Mysore in Karnataka. Its a very healthy substitute of white rice and has a slightly more nuanced taste. Very popular as its known to be a rich source of dietary fibre, antioxidants and iron. (1)
It has been said that the farmers who could not pay their taxes to the king were asked to pay some quantities of this Rajamudi rice to the king as a lieu of their taxes and hence the name Rajamudi. This rice variety was famous during ancient days, but with the emergence and populance of white rice, this red rice variety was pushed into oblivion.
Benefits
- It has good dietary fiber when compared with polished white rice and is enriched with antioxidants and zinc.
- The antioxidants prevent the body from free radicals.
- Zinc improves immunity and speeds ups the recovery and healing process.
- Since it has a low glycemic value, it was well suited for diabetics
- Kottaisamy, Chidhambara & S Raj, Divya & Umamaheswari, S.. (2023). Rice and diabetes-a comprehensive review. (2)
How to Cook the Rice
- Rajamudi can be cooked just like seeraga samba rice.
- If you are using a pressure cooker, use 1 part rice with 2.5 parts of water. One whistle on high and 5 mins on sim gives you perfectly cooked fluffy rice.
- Can also be used for biryani because it cooks easily in the kadai just like seeraga samba.
