This short-grain, low-starch, fragrant rice, which almost disappeared from our plates after the Green Revolution, was revived by farmers and activists as part of the Save Our Rice campaign.
This long-grained variety of rice has a greenish hue, and gets its name because the paddy resembles flowers of the Illupai tree, and emanates a bright fragrance similar to its flower.
Often known as the ‘King of Paddy’, Ajara Ghansal is a highly aromatic Gi-tagged rice with short, bold grains. It has a tender, non-sticky texture and a distinct creamy white appearance.
Made out of rice flour and jaggery, these simple fried cakes are traditionally prepared during Makara Sankranti as well as the agricultural Nuakhai festivals celebrated in Odisha.
Geetha Venkataraman shares her mother Visalakshi Venkataraman’s Pongal recipe, reminiscing about the many memories associated with the rice harvest festival.