Tag: Matta rice

According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, diets rich in low-glycemic foods can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This makes the debate over whether Kerala red rice is healthier than white rice particularly relevant for those seeking better blood sugar control and overall wellness.

Many people mistakenly think Matta rice and general red rice are the same, but in fact, Matta rice is just one specific variety of red rice, native to Kerala, India. This distinction is crucial for understanding their unique characteristics, nutritional profiles, and culinary applications.

Did you know Kerala's famous Matta rice, also known as Kerala red rice, is registered with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique origin and quality? This distinct status is a clue to the main question: why is Kerala rice different from other types of rice?

Over 2000 traditional rice varieties have contributed to India's rich bowl of diversity, and in Kerala, the indigenous brown rice variety has a distinct name. The brown rice in Kerala is commonly known as Matta Rice, also referred to as Rosematta Rice, Kerala Red Rice, or Palakkadan Matta, especially when grown in the Palakkad region. This nutrient-rich, parboiled rice is a staple in the region's cuisine and a healthier alternative to polished white rice.

While often confused due to their whole-grain status, matta rice is a specific type of rice variety, not simply a different name for brown rice. A key difference is matta rice's traditional parboiling process, which fundamentally alters its texture and nutrient distribution compared to standard brown rice.

According to UCSF Health, cholesterol is only found in animal products, meaning plant-based foods like Matta rice contain none. This is great news for heart-conscious eaters, as the answer to the question, 'Does Matta rice have cholesterol?' is a definitive no.

Did you know that Kerala Matta rice has up to 10 times more antioxidants than some brown rice varieties? This fact highlights the significant nutritional differences that exist between various rice types, including the popular, aromatic Basmati, and its more rustic, mineral-rich counterpart, Matta rice.

While matta rice is a staple in Kerala, India, it goes by several common English names. Known for its earthy flavor and reddish-brown hue, it is more commonly called Kerala red rice or rosematta rice in English. This parboiled grain offers a unique culinary experience and significant nutritional benefits, distinguishing it from regular white rice.

According to nutritional experts, whole grains like Matta rice are less processed and packed with more nutrients than refined grains. So, is Matta rice healthier than white rice? The answer lies in their processing and nutritional profiles, with Matta rice retaining its wholesome bran and germ layers, which are stripped away from white rice.

Globally, red rice is known by a fascinating array of regional names, with Kerala's Matta rice and Assam's Bao-dhaan being just two examples. This nutrient-dense whole-grain rice gets its signature red hue from antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Its identity is deeply tied to the local culinary traditions and agricultural heritage of its origin.