Navara rice is a highly revered traditional rice variety from Kerala, India, known for its significant medicinal and nutritional properties. It holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying its unique origin and qualities tied to the region, particularly Palakkad district.
Navara rice is an ancient, short-grain red rice variety from Kerala, India, prized in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, easy digestibility, and rich nutrient content, including antioxidants and iron.
Navara rice, also sometimes spelled Njavara, is a cherished indigenous rice variety primarily cultivated in the fertile lands of Kerala, especially the Palakkad district. This ancient, short-grain red rice has been revered for over 2,000 years, not just as a food source but as a potent ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. It is distinguished by its reddish-brown hue, pleasant aroma, and soft texture when cooked.
What sets Navara apart is its exceptional nutritional profile and therapeutic applications. It’s rich in antioxidants (like anthocyanins), dietary fiber, essential minerals such as iron and zinc, and has a lower glycemic index compared to many other rice varieties, making it beneficial for diabetics.
In Ayurveda, Navara is considered a “sattvic” food, known for its rejuvenating, nourishing, and healing properties. It’s widely used in various traditional treatments like Navarakizhi (a therapeutic massage with boluses of cooked Navara rice and herbs) for conditions like rheumatic complaints, neuromuscular disorders, and skin ailments (like psoriasis). It’s also traditionally given as a gruel (kanji) to infants, pregnant women (to enhance fetal weight), nursing mothers (to enhance lactation), the elderly, and those recovering from illness, as it’s easily digestible and boosts immunity. During the monsoon month of Karkidakam in Kerala, it’s popularly consumed as Karkkidaka kanji or Marunnu kanji for detoxification and strengthening immunity.
Culinary uses extend to preparing nutritious porridges (paal kanji), Kichadi, and as a wholesome rice to be paired with curries and dals, offering both taste and significant health benefits. Due to its unique attributes and cultural significance, Navara rice was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007-2009, protecting its identity and promoting its traditional heritage.
