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Chak-hao:- A rare super food from the land of Manipur got GI Tagged.

Chak-hao:- Delicious & Aromatic GI tagged Black Rice of Manipur

 

What is Chak-hao Rice?

Chak-hao is a Unique Black Rice variety primarily grown in the Manipur state of India. It is basically a glutenious rice which has pleasant aroma & nutty flavor and considered as a one of the healthiest super food due to several medicinal & nutritional value as it is rich in Antioxidant, Protein, Iron, fibre & other essential nutrients and also Gluten & Cholesterol free . The word “Chak-hao” originate from Manipuri language where Chak means “Rice” & ahaoba means “Delicious”.

Due to its historical significance & Rarity, Chak-hao Rice is also reffered as “Forbidden Rice”  or “Emperor Rice”. This Manipuri Black Rice has traditional significance as they use it in religious feast & social ceremonies to prepare special dishes. It has gained lot of popularity as a super food among health conscious people. Recently Government of India has awarded as Geographical Indication Tagging(GI Tag) in the year 2020.

Pic source:-https://www.greendna.in/products/organic-black-rice-chak-hao

 

Characteristic of Chak-hao Rice :-

Chak-hao rice has several unique characteristic. Some of the most important characteristic of hairloom black rice of Manipur are:-

  • Grain:- It is usually sold unpolished, due to which it retains its bran & germ layers intact with the rice grain. 
  • Color :- The outer covering of Chak-hao rice is dark purple black color due to the presence of high level of Anthocyanins antioxidant color pigment. It appears Black in color when Raw but turns Deep purple upon cooking.
  • Aroma:- It has pleasant aroma with Nutty flavor and used in the preparation of both sweet & savory rice dishes.
  • Stickness:- Chak hao rice is glutenious black rice variety and has slightly sticky in nature when cooked. It is sticker than regular white and brown rice due to low amylase(Starch) content & higher amylopectin content .
  • Cooking Time:- The normal cooking time of Chak-hao rice is 40-45mintues due to the presence of fibrous bran layers and higher fibre content.
  • Healthy Super food:-It is considered one of the healthiest super food due to several medicinal & nutritional value as it is rich in Antioxidant, Protein, Iron, fibre & other essential nutrients and also Gluten & Cholesterol free .
  • Geographical Indication Tagging:- Government of India has awarded as Geographical Indication Tagging(GI Tag) in the year 2020.
  • Cultural & Traditional Significance:-Manipuri Black Rice has traditional significance as they use it in religious feast & social ceremonies to prepare special dishes. This rice is usually eaten during community feast and served as Chakhao Kheer 

Geographical area of production of Chak-hao Rice 

It is mainly cultivated in the state of Manipur & Some part of Nagaland. The Main cultivation area of Chak-hao Rice in Manipur states are:- East Imphal area, West Imphal Area, Bishnupur & Thoubal area.

Peren District of Nagaland is the only area where Chak-hao rice is cultivated in small quantity.

 

Brief history of its cultivation 

As per the historical evidance,  Chak-hao rice was introduced by Buddhist monk around 400BCE to the trible people of Manipur and was first cultivated by Manipur king Poireiton Khunthokpa who ruled Manipur during 38-18BCE in his land Poi. Poi is the first generation of Manipur Society named after 12th Meitei king Poireiton Khunthokpa  , Hence it is also known as Poireiton rice of Manipur. 

  • It is believe that Chak-hao Rice came with the people of Manipur particularly Meities communities when they first settled in Manipur. In Manipur, 10% of total Rice cultivation is Chak-hao Rice. 
  • Before 1990, it was primarly grown for self consumption & religious use by the people of Manipur. However with increasing recognization & demand in Indian  & Global market looking into its unique flavor & health benefit, Its  production has slightly increased due to the improved variety. It is still not cultivated as commerical Scale. 

 

Types of Chak-hao Rice 

There are approx 20 variety of Chak-hao rice grown in Manipur, out of which only 02 variety of Chak-hao rice are most popular.

  (1) Chakhao Poiteito Rice:- It is one of the best variety of black rice. This variety has slightly lighter color as compare to the Chakhao Amubi variety. It is less sticky when cooked as compare to the Chakao Amubi & Angangba variety. The grain size of Chakhao Poiteito Rice is approx 6.77mm length & 2.09mm in width. It is more nutritious than Amubi variety.

(2) Chakhao Amubi:- It is one of the most popular types of Chak-hao rice variety known for its black & dark purple color and sticky in texture when cooked. Its grain size is slightly smaller than Chakhao Poiteito variety (Length approx- 6.24mm & width-2.25mm)

 

Geographical Indication Tagging of Chakhao Rice 

Govt. of India has awarded Geographical Indication Tagging to Chak-hao Rice of Manipur on 20th April 2020 falling in  the class 30 in respect of Rice & having GI Registration No- 602. It was  registered in the name of Consortium of Producer of Chak-hao Rice Manipur, Office of the Nodal officer MOVCDNER Agri, Directorate of Agriculture, Sanjenthong, lmphal, Manipur, India.

Pic soure:-https://x.com/chak_hao

 

Culinary Use of Chak-hao Rice

Chak-hao Rice is one of the most significant food of Manipuri people. It is mainly used in religious feast & social ceremonies to prepare special dishes. This rice is usually eaten during community feast and served as Chakhao Kheer in Chakumba which is first Rice eating ceremony.

It is also used in the preparation of severeal Rice products like Puffed Rice & Rice flakes. Example are:-

  • Kabok afaba:-Puffed Rice prepared directly from Chak-hao rice kernel.
  • Kabok akhingba:- Puffed Rice prepared from Boiled Rice
  • Kabok Khoidum:-Puffed Rice ladoo made with sugar cane Juice
  • Chengpak:- Manipuri black Rice poha
  • Utong Chaak:– Chakhao Rice cooked in bamboo stick.
  • Ethe tan:- Flat bread made with chak-hao rice.

Example of some of the most popular Chakhao Rice dishes :-

  • Chakhao Kheer – A sweet pudding made from black or red Chakhao rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom, often garnished with nuts and dried fruits.
  • Chakhao Bora – Deep-fried fritters or pakoras made with Chakhao rice flour.
  • Chakhao Pulao – Chakhao rice cooked with aromatic spices, vegetables or dried fruits.
  • Chakhao Salad – Chakhao rice sald with fresh vegetables, herbs, and light dressing.
  • Chakhao Modhup – Chakhao rice steamed with honey, sugar, and sometimes coconut creating a sweet aromatic treat.
  • Eromba with Chakhao – A traditional Manipuri dish where mashed vegetables and fermented fish (ngari) are served with steamed Chakhao rice, adding aroma and texture.
  • Chakhao Chakluk – A simple dish where Chakhao rice is steamed or boiled and served as an accompaniment to Manipuri curries, stews, and other side dishes.
  • Chakhao Chak – This is fermented Chakhao rice, often used in traditional Manipuri festivals. The fermentation adds complexity to the flavor, making it an acquired but celebrated taste.
  • Chakhao Sandwit – A sweet preparation made by boiling Chakhao rice with jaggery or sugar, sometimes flavored with ginger and coconut for added flavor.
  • Chakhao Pancake – Made with Chakhao rice flour, this pancake has a unique aroma and can be filled with sweetened coconut or served plain.

It has also been used to make various other food items like Chakhao Cakes, Chakhao Muffins ,Chakhao Tea & Chakhao Bhujia.

Chak-hao Rice is also used to prepare Local Traditional Manipuri Beer called “Chakhao atingba” which is one of the most popular manipuri beer among meiteis communities. 

 

pic source-https://thericechick.com/chak-hao-kheer/

Some of the most popular Chakhoa Rice brands available in online market

BrandOnline LinkBrand Picture

Pekkoy Manipuri Chak Hao Black Rice – 

https://amzn.to/3YwDeTz

NE Origins Black Rice (Chak-Hao)

https://amzn.to/4ebU401
Sidayai-Nadayai chakhai Ricehttps://amzn.to/4hwnN6M

Organic Delight Manipur Black Rice

https://amzn.to/4e60Zru

Taret Chak-Hao (Manipuri Black Rice) Bhujia

https://amzn.to/3YyvH6M

Taret Chakhao Manipuri Black Rice Gulab Jamun

https://amzn.to/48tPkSd

Taret Chakhao – Manipuri Black Rice

https://amzn.to/3YvqqwP

Taret Chak-Hao Flour 

https://amzn.to/40uGrpE

Namma Nellu Traditional Black Rice – Chakhao Poireiton (Raw Rice) / Manipur Black Rice

https://amzn.to/4fsmUKB

 

 

Nutritional Value & Health Benefit of Chakhao Rice

It is one of the healthiest super food due to several medicinal & nutritional value as it is rich in Antioxidant, Protein, Iron, fibre & other essential nutrients and also Gluten & Cholesterol free .

  • Chakhao Rice has low glycemic Index and considered as healthy choice for diabetic person.
  • Chakhao rice is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease or those with gluten intolerance.

 

Content Reference:-

The above content has been compiled after referring various culinary books, Research Papers, Research articles, Food magazines, news papers, top culinary websites, Govt websites, personal interaction with renowned chefs from various hotel brands like The Ashok Group of hotel, ITC, Oberai, Leela, Park Hotels & various IHM Faculties, Nutritionists etc. & many  more. The picture which i have used has been taken from the open source website .Some of the important website referred for the above content are:- 

Author: chef radhe
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