Kalanamak Rice-Unique & Delicious GI Tagged Rice from the land of Buddha. -

Kalanamak Rice-Unique & Delicious GI Tagged Rice from the land of Buddha.

Kalanamak Rice- A heritage rice from the land of Buddha

What is Kalanamak Rice ?

Kalanamak Rice is a Non –basmati scented heritage rice mainly grown in the tarai region of Uttar Pradesh & Nepal. It is mainly grown in the Siddharth Nagar, Sant kabir nagar, Basti & its neighboring district of eastern Uttar Pradesh and has been cultivated since Buddha Period ( 600BCE). It is believed to be Buddha gift to the world & known for its extraordinary fragrance which is stronger than all Basmati Rice variety.

The name of Kalanamak is given due to its black husk which means “kala husk” (काला भूसी) and Characterized by a mild salty taste (namak) means Salt. The husk of this rice is black in color but its grain in white in color.

Local name of Kalanamak rice:-

Kalanamak rice is also know by Buddha Home Rice, Siddhartnagar Rice in Siddhartnagar district of UP & Scented black pearl in Himalayan tarai in eastern UP.

In Bengal kalanamak Rice is popularly known as “Kalonunia” where it is regarded as Prince of Rice & used in worship of Lord Buddha.

Characteristic of Kalanamak rice:-

Kalanamak rice is derived from its black husk(Kala) & Characterized by a mild salty taste (namak). Its aroma is more powerful than any other variety of Basmati Rice.

It has nutty & earthy fragrance making it most popular choice for festival meals.

Its elognation of rice grain after boiling is approx 40% more than the Basmati Rice . Cooked kalanamak Rice will have softer & fluffier texture than other Rice. Due to this quality it is highly demandable in international market.

The texture of the cooked kalanamak Rice will be soft & fluffy as well as Non sticky.

It is Non basmati Rice with medium grain size. It is famous for its palatablity, taste & aroma. It has approx 19 – 20% of amylose (Component of starch) due to which kalanamak rice remain very soft upon cooking has good elognation.

Identity & Recognition of Kalanamak Rice

It is one of the finest quality of scented rice in India. Food & Agricultural organization of United Nations in 2021 featured this Kalanamak Rice in their book called “Speciality Rice of the world.” In the same year (2021) it was also earned the Prime minister award for excellence in public administration

Govt of UttarPradesh is also promoting Kalanamak Rice under One District One Product (ODOP Scheme) for siddhartnagar district since 2018 by setting up a common facility centre namely Shivansh siddhartnagar Agriculture development producer company Ltd. The UP Govt has also provided a digital platform/online platform for promotion & sale of Kalanamak Rice.

It has been Branded as “Buddha Home Rice” by Govt of UP and started exporting to Singapore & other Buddhist countries like Japan, Malaysia, Kambodia etc since 2021 onwards.

Kalanamak Rice was granted G.I Tagging (Geographical Indication tagging No- 205) by Govt of India in 2013 which recognized Siddhart Nagar district & its adjoing district of UP as the area where it is grown.

It is primarily grown in Siddharth Nagar, Sant kabir nagar, Basti & its neighboring district of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Kalanamak rice is the only rice variety from North India which has been included in the NutriFarm project of the Govt of India & UP State. It is one of the most nutritious rice in terms of Vitamin-A, Protein, Iron , Zinc & B-carotine.
Kalanamak rice is considered to have a low glycemic index (GI) compared to many other types of rice. This means that it releases sugars slowly into the bloodstream, making it a better option for people with diabetes or those looking to control their blood sugar levels.

Recently Chief Minister of UP (sH YOGI ADHITHYA NATH) has launched Kalanamak Rice festivals at Siddhartnagar to encourage & promote local agriculature products under ODOP Scheme.

Brief history of cultivation of Kalanamak Rice

The Kalanamak Rice is believe to have been cultivated since Lord Buddha Period ( 563 – 483 BCE) when Lord Gautam Buddha returned to the Kapilvastu after attaining enlightnment. According to the account of Chineese Travelled in India (Fa-Hein) , the people of Mathala Village asked Lord Buddha for Prasad and then Lord Buddha took the Rice he had taken in alms and gave it to the people of Mathala village asking them to grow in marshy area and its fragrance will remind you of me, Then the local people, grow this holy rice.

At present , Kalanamak Rice is mainly growing in Terai area of Siddhart Nagar & 10 neighboring district of eastern UP & in Nepal. Uttarpradesh Govt has approved 11 district of Zone 7 of U.P . These 11 district located in the following divisions:-

Division of Gorakhpur:– Gorakhpur, Deoria, Mahrajganj, Siddhart Nagar
Division of Basti:- Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Siddhart Nagar
Division of Devipatan:– Bahraich, Balrampur, Gonda, Shravasti

The Matiyor domat soil of this area has considered very suitable for kalanamak Rice cultivations

GI Tagging of Kalanamak Rice

In the year 2013, Govt of India has granted Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging to Kalanamak Rice under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999. The GI Tagging of Kalanamak recognizes the cultivation area of Uttarpradesh are Siddhartnagar & adjoing district in the Terai Region of Uttarpradesh including Maharajganj, Gorakhpur,Sant Kabir Nagar, Bahraich, Gonda, Basti & Sharwasti.

11 District of UP which has been awarded the GI Tagging for Cultivation of Kalanamak are:-

Siddhart Nagar
Basti
Deoriya
Sant Kabir Nagar
Gonda
Bahriach
Balrampur
Gorakhpur
Devi patan
Maharajganj
Shravasti

Kalanamak Rice Vs Basmati Rice

Kalanamak Rice	Basmati Rice
Upon Cooking Kalanamak Rice has powerful Rich & earthy aroma that is both captivating and robust. It offer a nutty sweetness with earthy flavor.	Basmati Rice is mainly flavored for its delicate & earthy fragrance. Its aroma is floral with notes of justice . Basmati rice has mild & slightly nutty flavor. Basmati Rice can create a light and fluffy taste.

Culinary use of Kalanamak Rice

One of the most popular way to prepare the Kalanamak Rice is by steaming it. Its natural aroma often compliments to many Indian dishes such as Pulao & Biryani, accompaniment to Dal , curry & Vegetable dishes. It is often cooked with vegetables, Spices like bayleaves, cumins, mace & cardamom etc to enhance the aroma of the dishes.

Kalanamak Rice can be used in the preparation of Idli , Dosa , Uttapam & Various Kheer and Payssam dishes.

Enhances the flavors of subtle and delicate cuisines such as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Persian.

Example of most popular kalanamak rice dishes are-

Steamed Kalanamak Rice
Kalanamak Jeera Rice
Kalanamak Lemon Rice
Kalanamak tomato Rice
Kalanamak Veg Pulao
Kalanamak tomato & palak pulao
Kalanamak kathal pulao
Kalanamak mushroom pulao
Kalanamak egg biryani
Kalanamak chicken biryani
Kalanamak mutton biryani
Kalanakak gucchi pulao
Kalanamak Zarda pulao

Examples of other Kalanamak rice dishes are:-

Kalanamak Rice Kheer
Kalanamak Rice Phirni
Kalanamak Rice Pongal
Kalanamak Rice Salad
Kalanamak sushi Rolls
Kalanamak stuffed bell peppers
Kalanamak stuffed zucchini
Kalanamak Rice & beans borritto

Tips for Procurement of Kalamalak Rice :-It should always to procure Kalanamak Rice from its origin that is Siddhart Nagar & other adjustant district.

Types of Kalanamak Rice:-There are 4 different types of Kalanamak Rice

(1) KN 3
(2) Kalanamak Kira
(3) Bauna Kalanamak 101 & Bauna Kalanamak 102

Health benefit of Kalanamak Rice

Kalanamak Rice is rich in essential nutrients such as Vitamins, Minerals & Antioxidants. Some of the key health benefit of eating Kalanamak rice are:-

Kalanamak is rich in antioxidant mainly anthocyanins which help to neutralize free radicals from our body and lowering the risk of cronic disease such as cancer.

It is rich in Iron & Zinc which helps in maintaining good health.

Kalanamak has low Glycemic Index value (Typically between 50-55) resulting it releases sugar into our bloodsteam very slowly and preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar level.

Antioxidants , Vitamin ( Iron & Zinc) & Minerals found in Kalanamak rice help to boost immunity and strengthen the body defence system.

It also contain good amount of dietary fibre which helps in better digestion & prevent constipation.

Kalanamak Rice is a gluten free grain

Some of the most popular brands of Kalamanak Rice available in Amazon are:-

KisaanSay Gorakhpur Kalanamak Rice	KisaanSay Kalanamak rice is renowned for its unique and captivating aroma and taste, which distinguishes it from other rice varieties, making every meal a sensory delight	https://amzn.to/4h2v264
Tarai Organic Farms Kala Namak Rice	Traditional & Unique Kala Namak Rice is a traditional rice variety cultivated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh for over 3000 years known for its distinctive fragrance and unique characteristics.	https://amzn.to/4dMuDSt
SWASTH GRAINS Kalanamak Rice	The aroma of Kalanamak rice is stronger than all Basmati varieties and said to be Buddha’s gift.	https://amzn.to/408HGKC
Pitaamah Kala Namak Rice	Pitaamah kala namak rice is also very popular brand in Indian Market	https://amzn.to/4dPALct
Buddha’s Blessings aromatic Kala Namak Rice	This is a traditional rice variety cultivated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh	https://amzn.to/4h2MXJJ
B&B Organics Authentic Kalanamak Rice	This is a traditional rice variety cultivated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh	https://amzn.to/483a9DQ
BUDDHA RATANA Authentic Kalanamak Rice	This is a traditional rice variety cultivated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh	https://amzn.to/3Nntjux
Diviam Aahar kalanamak rice	This is a traditional rice variety cultivated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh	https://amzn.to/4f2FVmu
VS Products Tradition Organics Kalanamak Rice	This is a traditional rice variety cultivated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh	https://amzn.to/3Y4EDk9
P & B AGRO FOODS Kalanamak Rice	This is a traditional rice variety cultivated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh	https://amzn.to/4eHswAw