Kalanamak Rice: Origin, Benefits and Uses

For a long time, rice has been much more than merely a cereal in India, with its connection to a particular region, ritual and culture being unique compared to other food items. Almost every state is known to boast of some particular strain of rice which it claims to be incomparable, with the kalanamak rice from Uttar Pradesh, Indrayani rice from Maharashtra, Kalajeera rice from Odisha, Gobindobhog rice from Bengal and Joha rice from Assam. Kalanamak is another such type of rice that has grown in eastern Uttar Pradesh since times immemorial. However, what makes its study worthy at this moment in time is the fact that after staying in oblivion for ages, this particular strain of rice is now getting into the export business.

What Is Kalanamak Rice?

Kalanamak is a short grain and aromatic type of rice that is typically grown in the eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh, especially Gorakhpur and Siddharth Nagar. As you can tell from the name of this type of rice, it is a rice which translates to mean "black salt," as a result of the black outer covering of the rice rather than its salty taste. It is often said to smell like popcorn.

The actual rice is a low yielding and small grain rice that is not sticky after being cooked and has a black outer cover.

Why Is It Called Buddha Rice?

The Kalanamak rice has another name, the "Buddha Rice," and it is not some modern invention for marketing purposes. According to the locals, Gautama Buddha himself gave out the seeds of the rice  to the local villagers in the Kapilvastu area after reaching nirvana. He asked them to cultivate this variety of rice in the marshy lands of the area. 

Origin and History of Kalanamak Rice

Only a few types of rice in India can boast of having their origins dating back to over two and a half thousand years and that indeed makes Kalanamak unique in its own right in comparison with most of the other types of food found in a modern day dining table.

This particular type of rice was grown in the Terai belt of eastern Uttar Pradesh where there is a type of soil which is very wet and marshy and in which the rice requires the soil for developing its distinctive flavor. Places such as Siddharth Nagar, Gorakhpur, Basti and Sant Kabir Nagar were famous for their cultivation of Kalanamak and what is quite intriguing about this rice is that the rice loses its flavor once it is grown beyond its native areas, just like Darjeeling tea which can be found only in Darjeeling.

Just like many other types of grains, Kalanamak suffered greatly at the hands of the Green Revolution era when agriculture in India shifted its focus towards high yielding

The Kalanamak variety received the Geographical Indication (GI) label in 2012-13 by the Government of India, and became one of those products that enjoy uniqueness only to the region of Uttar Pradesh – just like Darjeeling tea and Banarasi silk. In particular, it was done for two reasons: first, in order to make sure that no producer beyond the geographical borders uses this name and thus protects its brand reputation; and second, to give the farmers a motive to cultivate it again. Various governmental programs, agricultural universities and even export activities are aimed at producing it more widely and, what is more, it gained representation in the FAO list of specialty rice of the world.

Health Benefits of Kalanamak Rice

Once you get past the history and the legend, the real question most people have is simple — is it actually good for you? The nutritional numbers here genuinely back up the hype, more so than a lot of "superfood" rice varieties floating around the market.

Rich in Protein

Most varieties of white rice are known to contain protein between 6-7%. Kalanamak rice stands out as containing more protein than white rice, at least twice according to certain sources. With a vegetarian-heavy diet in which rice is consumed daily, this would mean a considerable increase in the protein content in a given meal without any changes elsewhere.

Lower Glycemic Index 

With a relatively lower glycemic index (typically 50-55), the rice is a good choice for people suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes because it provides slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. It is now often recommended as an alternative for people who cannot abandon their staple food

Source of Iron & Zinc

It contains iron and zinc that help prevent anemia, boost immunity, and keep energy levels stable (these nutrients being commonly under-consumed in typical Indian diets).

Unique Aroma

Its unique aroma comes naturally and is because of the  particular soil and marshy growth conditions of the belt in which it is native without any processing or flavoring.

Aids in Weight Loss

Because of its high protein content and slow releasing carbohydrates, Kalanamak rice is known to make people feel satiated for a longer time, and thus helps in regulating portions even when someone is trying to lose weight without having to give up on eating rice.

Gentle on Stomach

Kalanamak rice is usually easier on the stomach than normal rice and thus is relatively safe for consumption by everyone irrespective of age, even older adults or people recovering from any illness.

Usages of Kalanamak Rice in Daily Cooking

Despite its heritage status, Kalanamak rice isn't difficult to cook with — it fits into the same meals most Indian households already make on a regular basis.

• Dal-Chawal and Kadhi Chawal
• Khichdi
• Pulao and Light Biryani
• Kheer and Traditional Sweets
• Rice Flour for Traditional Snacks

Just a Few Important Facts before Buying the Rice 

Pure Kalanamak rice having a GI tag grows exclusively in certain districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, so it's important to look for GI certification while purchasing this rice because sometimes the name has been abused by the sellers selling normal rice with this name. The rice also costs higher than other ordinary rice varieties due to reduced yield and traditional cultivation process. If you have diabetes or some other disease, then it's best to consult your doctor about the quantity to be consumed instead of eating unlimited amount of low-GI rice.

Where to Buy Best Kalanamak Rice Online?

The best place to purchase authentic Kalanamak rice would be at kisaanSay online.

There are several reasons why kisaanSay would be considered the best place to purchase such type of rice. Firstly, this site offers its customers the possibility to trace back where the particular product came from. The rice purchased on this website is directly shipped from Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh state , the birthplace of Kalanamak rice. More specifically, this rice is supplied by the farmers' cooperative PRDF. It needs to be pointed out that this is a very special farmers' cooperative, which is headed by Ramchet Chaudhary – a man known for bringing this ancient variety of rice back from extinction. As an effort to revive the heritage crop, he received Padma Shri award, the highest civilian award in India.

Shop: https://kisaansay.com/products/gorakhpur-kalanamak-rice

Conclusion

Kalanamak rice is not a fleeting product trying to cash in on a wellness fad, it has a well-documented history dating to the era of Buddha, a legal label protecting its uniqueness, and a real nutritional value. From the elevated protein content, glycemic index, to the natural aromatic quality, it's clear to see why this grain has traveled all the way from being mentioned on Mann Ki Baat and sent across borders as an international gift to being a grain sought out by families seeking something more than white rice for dinner. It will not be replacing your regular rice anytime soon, but if you wish to occasionally treat yourself with something new, then Kalanamak rice is definitely worth a try.