Description

ABOUT

No introduction is necessary for the native rice variety known as Jeeraka samba or Seeraga Samba. The name immediately brings to mind the simple flavour of biryani.

The tiny, but immensely popular and pricey, Jeeraka samba may well become the first rice variety from Tamil Nadu to get the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These grains are airy and loose when cooked. It imparts a flavour and adds taste to dishes like biriyani.

Due to their similarity—being small—the rice and cumin seeds share the term “seeragam”. Samba refers to the growing season for rice, which is normally from August to January.

SOMETHING ABOUT RICE

Rice is an essential component of many Indian rituals since it represents prosperity, fertility, and abundance and has life-giving properties. Numerous Indian festivals, including Onam, Pongal, and Bihu, fall around the rice harvest. The importance of rice in Indian culture is undoubtedly demonstrated by customs like offering rice to deities and customs like annaprashana, where the first meal for a newborn is made by boiling rice in milk. Both of these practices signify good fortune and luck.

Nearly half of the world’s population relies mostly on rice. Two domesticated and roughly twenty-two wild types of rice are currently available. Rice production is said to have begun around 6500 years ago. Rice is the most widely grown grain in the world and may be found in warm, tropical, and aquatic environments. Depending on the type, it can supply a variety of amounts of energy, fibre, protein, and minerals.

WHY SHOULD TRADITIONAL RICE BE INCLUDED IN OUR DIET

People today do not lead the same healthy and nutritious lifestyle as their ancestors. While diseases like “high blood pressure,” “diabetes,” “blood sugar,” and “cancer” have become popular terms, they are used far too frequently. People tend to fall sick frequently due to their unhealthy food habits and lifestyle. 

One of the most nutrient-dense common foods is traditional rice. According to history, ancient people cherished traditional rice varieties for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Ailments like heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. were essentially unheard of in earlier times. Our forefathers led long, robust lives. Specialists attribute this to our ancestors’ diets, which prioritized rice over other foods. Traditional rice is the best known source of vitamin B, prevents fatty liver, aids in muscle recovery, helps lower or entirely avoid blood sugar, is high in fibre and selenium, and has no cholesterol. Additionally, traditional rice has a reputation for preventing breast cancer. The benefits of traditional rice are endless. It is well recognized that all types of rice aid in physical growth, a better immune system and the prevention of many diseases.

DIFFERENT NAMES OF JEERAKA SAMBA RICE IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Hindi: Jeera rice

Samba Seeraga

Kaima rice (Malayalam)

Samba annam, Chitti Muthyalu in Telegu

BENEFITS OF JEERAGA SAMBA RICE

• Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients contain phytonutrients that support heart health and aid in the battle against breast cancer.

• Selenium’s abundant supply

Selenium, which is very good for human health, is present in significant amounts in Jeeraga samba rice. The benefits of selenium are numerous and are described in more depth below.

One of the potent antioxidants, selenium, serves to shield our bodies from free radicals that might injure our internal organs.

It may lower the risk of developing some cancers, such as breast, colon, and intestinal cancer.

keeps our hearts safe from all cardiovascular illnesses.

It strengthens mental health.

It enhances thyroid function and guards against hormonal imbalance brought on by the thyroid gland.

Overall immunity is increased, which aids in the battle against dangerous viruses and germs.

Additionally, selenium efficiently lowers inflammation and oxidative stress.

• No cholesterol

People who choose cholesterol-free diets may benefit greatly from Jeeraga samba or Seeraga samba rice. It does not include any unhealthy cholesterol or fat, but it does have adequate levels of energy or calories. This improves energy consumption and prevents health problems related to the heart. It aids in lowering obesity and the signs and symptoms of the disease since it has low amounts of fat, sodium, and cholesterol.

• source of antioxidants

This rice is abundant in antioxidants that shield us from heart illnesses even if we only consume modest amounts of it. It reduces hyperthyroidism and enhances thyroid health.

• Low levels of Glycemic Index 

The Jeeraga samba rice variety is a low-GI meal, which means it requires more time to digest. You will feel fuller for longer periods of time, which reduces food cravings. The blood sugar release is slower and more controlled when food is digested slowly. Jeeraga samba rice is ideal for diabetic patients who wish to consume rice.