Red rice popularly known as Matta rice in Kerala is considered as a delicacy in Southern India. Matta rice is the unprocessed or unpolished rice, which is high in fibre and nutrients, and keeps sugar levels in check, particularly when had with an increased quantity of vegetables.
The Palakkad matta rice is one of the select varieties that has been awarded the GI tag from the state.
This is a special variety of rice that gets its red colour due to its anthocyanin content. This rice is generally unhulled or partially hulled rice, which has a red husk. It has a nutty flavour and has a high nutritional value.
This variety of rice mostly prospers in black cotton soil and humid weather conditions.
Over the last decades, many households in South India have started using polished white rice abstaining traditional brown rice and red rice varieties.
Raktashali, Thai Red Cargo Rice, Bhutanese Red Rice, Camargue Red Rice (grown in France), Kerala Matta Rice are a few varieties of red rice.
A study conducted by researchers from the Kerala Agricultural University in 2018 revealed that Pokkali rice was among the best species due to its nutritional value.
In 2015, an Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIMK) graduate had started a website and android app to sell the famous Palakkadan matta rice grown on his 10-acre farm.
The website (dakshfam.com) and the android app (available on Google Play by the same name) have become instant hits and Prabhal Mohandas, the new age farmer, is now selling the rice directly to buyers across the country without the help of any distributors. He sells 150-200 kg of organically grown rice per month for Rs 100 per kg.
Nutritional value of Red rice:
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One-quarter cup consists of 2grams of fibre. Fibre helps in lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
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Has a low glycemic index, and high fibre content thus helps in regulating blood sugar levels as well as insulin production.
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Magnesium content in the rice helps maintain blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
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Iron quantity boosts immunity levels
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Red rice consists of anthocyanin, manganese and zinc thus protecting the body from harmful effects of free radicals, which are formed inside the body and damage body cells and tissues.
This fluffy rice with its rose-coloured hue and unique texture is clearly an acquired taste.
