Description:

• Indigenous red rice of Tamil Nadu
• Free of chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides
• Rich in protein
• Mappillai Samba Rice unpolished red raw rice is quite popular in Tamil Nadu.
• It is known for its strength-giving and healing properties. 
• The rice is bold, red and slightly sticky when cooked since it is unpolished.
• This means that only the hulling of the paddy is done to remove the husk, keeping all the bran intact.
• Having said that, Mappilai Samba is highly satiating.
• A little is enough to fill you up and therefore helps in weight loss.
• The rice can also be used for making dosa batter or processed into flour for string hoppers and other steamed items.
  
• There is an interesting tale behind how Mappilai Samba Rice got its name.
• It is believed that in order to win a girl in marriage, the potential son-in-law had to undergo a strength test.
• The prospective bridegroom called ‘Mappilai’ in Tamil, would have to lift a large stone to prove his strength and ability to get married.
• This rice was fed to him for days before he went for the strength test to win the girl.
• Mappilai Samba comes to us from an organic farming group in Pudukottai.
• It is a Samba season rice, which means that it is harvested in January. 
• The rice is predominantly grown in Tamil Nadu now. Mappillai Samba had almost disappeared from farms to make way for processed rice.
• But over the last 10-15 years there has been a very strong revival.
• Mappilai Samba has the most popular revival compared to other indigenous rice varieties.
• High fibre content aids digestion
• Improves stamina
• Boosts immune system