Navara rice
Navara rice is an ancient and unique variety of rice from Kerala, India, often referred to as “The Grain of Kerala” It is known for its medicinal properties, plays an important role in Ayurvedic treatments and is considered a healthy food.
- In Ayurveda, it is mainly used for panchakarma treatments and has a beneficial effect on circulatory, digestive and rheumatic problems.
- There are two types: shiny black and shiny golden yellow, with the rice itself having a purple colour.
- The rice has a short growth cycle of 60 days, which earned it the name “Shashtika rice”
- Its yield is low due to the short growing period and its sensitivity to the weather, as it is vulnerable to wind and dew in winter.
- In order to maintain its medicinal properties, it must be grown organically, as chemicals can impair its effectiveness.
- Navara rice is grown in nine districts of Kerala: Palakkad, Malappuram, Calicut, Wayanad, Kannur, Trichur, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alleppey.
