Traditional Rice Varieties that are grown in and around Tanjore
Traditional Rice Varieties that are grown in and around Tanjore
We just published a deep dive into the native rice varieties of our region at Organic Tanjore — from the fragrant short-grain Seeraga Samba and gentle-textured Thanjavur Ponni, to the antioxidant-rich Karuppu Kavuni “black rice,” the high-fibre Mappillai Samba, nourishing Poongar (the “women’s rice”) and traditional Kullakkar paddy — each variety has a story, a nutritional legacy, and roots deeply entwined with our land.
In a time of industrial agriculture and hybrid seeds, it’s our mission to revive, preserve and offer these ancestral grains — not just as commodities, but as a living tradition.
Read more about these beautiful varieties and why they matter:
- Thanjavur Ponni: A widely cultivated and popular variety from the region, known for its fine texture and retention of nutrients after parboiling.
- Mappillai Samba: A traditional red rice with high carbohydrate and crude fiber content.
- Karuppu Kavuni: Also known as black rice, this variety is rich in antioxidants.
- Kullakkar: A traditional variety valued for its nutritional profile.
- Poongar: Also known as "women's rice," it is culturally significant in the region.
- Seeraga Samba: A fragrant, short-grain rice that is a popular choice in Tamil Nadu.
- Kichili Samba: Another traditional variety grown in the region, known for its distinct characteristics.
- Kattuyanam: A traditional variety of rice with a brown color.
- Thuyamalli: A rice variety that has a thread-like appearance.