A Complete Guide to Kerala Rice Varieties

Rice is the cornerstone of Kerala cuisine. Unlike the polished white rice common elsewhere, Kerala has a rich tradition of using parboiled and semi-polished rice varieties that retain more nutrients.

Rose Matta Rice (Palakkadan Matta) is the most popular Kerala rice. This parboiled red rice has a distinctive earthy flavour and chewy texture. It is the traditional rice served with Kerala fish curry.

Jeerakasala Rice is a fragrant, short-grain rice used primarily for biryanis and ghee rice. Its name comes from its resemblance to cumin seeds (jeera). It absorbs flavours beautifully.

Surekha Rice is a long-grain variety used for everyday meals. It cooks up fluffy and separate, making it ideal for simple rice and curry meals.

When buying Kerala rice, look for trusted brands like Nirapara, Double Horse, and Pavizham. Store rice in airtight containers to preserve freshness.