Mappillai Samba rice is a native variety of red rice that originated in the Salem region of Tamil Nadu, India. The name comes from an ancient Tamil tradition about a bridegroom (mappillai) who would lift a heavy rock before his wedding day to show his strength. To boost his energy, he would be fed cooked Mappillai Samba rice. It is also known as “Bridegroom’s Rice”. It’s high in fibre and has a low glycaemic index. It has high nutritional value and has many benefits, including improved immunity and stamina, and strengthened muscles and nerves. It can be best used to make Idli, Dosa, apart from Upma, Pongal and consuming as cooked rice. A research study found that Mapillai Samba rice has the highest vitamin E content of ten traditional rice varieties.
