Background
Details regarding this variety are found in Pazhani copper inscriptions and several traditional medical texts. The famous musical saint Sri. Thiyagaraja in one of his compositions has mentioned that though there are several varieties of rice, they are not equivalent to Seeraga Samba. Since the shape of the grains resembles the shape of jeera or cumin and also cultivated during Samba season, it is named as Seeraga Samba. This paddy variety is sown between August to October and harvested in 5 months period. Widely cultivated in Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Pudukottai, Thiruvarur, Sivagangai, Cuddalore, Madurai, Dindigul and Thiruvannamalai districts of Tamilnadu. The details of this variety is also mentioned in Pallu Literature.
Special Features
Since this variety is aromatic and fetches the highest price amongst all traditional paddy varieties of Tamil Nadu. There should be no waterlogging in the area where it is cultivated.
Nutritional Properties
This variety is high in iron, calcium (37.9 mg/100 g) and zinc.
Therapeutic Properties
It helps to cure Vatha related disorders and it is easy to digest.
Suggested Dishes
It is ideal as table rice and is also suitable for making delicious briyani, pulao, Pongal, payasam and Aapam
It is normally cultivated during Samba and Navarai (between July 15 to January 14 and December 15 to March 14).
The rice is white and aromatic and it has extremely fine grains.
130 days
