Seeraga Samba

The name “Seeraga Samba” is given to this variety of rice because of its physical resemblance to cumin seeds. The rice grains are small and ovular, and they have a similar nutty aroma to cumin. The word “seeragam” means “cumin” in Tamil, and the word “samba” refers to the season in which the rice is grown (typically from August to January).

Seeraga Samba rice is also known as “jeera samba” or “khaima arisi” in other parts of India.

In addition to its unique appearance and aroma, Seeraga Samba rice is also prized for its superior cooking quality. It cooks up fluffy and light, and it absorbs the flavors of other ingredients well. This makes it a popular choice for making biryani, pulao, and other rice dishes.

Seeraga Samba rice has many advantages over other rice variants, including:

Superior cooking quality: Seeraga Samba rice cooks up fluffy and light, and it absorbs the flavors of other ingredients well. This makes it a popular choice for making biryani, pulao, and other rice dishes.

Health benefits:

Regulates  Diabetes: 

Through their research on obese individuals, the University of California concluded that calorie reduction has a greater effect in decreasing levels of plasma glucose and insulin than does weight loss.

Seeraga Samba has the lowest calorie count (353/100 g) among its counter-traditional rice varieties making it a perfect choice for people looking to tone down calorie intake.

Potassium – Regulates blood pressure

Sodium is a known factor for the constriction of blood vessels and thereby higher blood pressure. By including Potassium in the diet, this effect could be mitigated, as the more Potassium you eat, the more Sodium is lost in urine. 

Seeraga Samba provides 223 mg of Potassium per 100 gm (approximately 8-10% of the required Potassium per day.)

Iron – Growth and development; Improves hemoglobin levels, optimal thyroid functioning

The human body utilizes iron during growth and development hence it is supplemented during pregnancy and lactation. Also, Iron is utilized by hemoglobin in the blood, to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the body parts.

Also, Iron plays a significant role in the production and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Hence iron deficiency anemia could lead to abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland. Seeraga Samba holds 4.8 mg of Iron per 100 gm, providing approximately half of the daily iron requirement.

Magnesium – Multifunctional 

Magnesium is a mineral that plays multiple roles in maintaining health. 

• It supports the manufacturing of protein, DNA 

• Regulates the functioning of the parathyroid gland and prevents osteoporosis

•  Lower magnesium levels are associated with Migraine

• Hypomagnesemia (lower magnesium levels) worsens insulin resistance leading to type II diabetes

The rice variant is equipped with 111.3 mg per 100 g and an average adult requires 300 – 400 mg/day.

Zinc – growth and development

• Though zinc is required in minute quantities, it carries out vital functions such as healing damaged tissues and strengthening immunity. Since it helps cells to grow and multiply, it is most required during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.

• The sense of taste and smell is also influenced by zinc.

One-fourths of the RDA of zinc is provided by Seeraga Samba (2mg per 100gm)

Overall, Seeraga Samba rice is a good choice for people who are looking for a rice variant that is flavorful, nutritious, and cooks up well. It is also a good choice for people with diabetes due to its low glycemic index.

However, it is important to note that Seeraga Samba rice is also more expensive than other rice variants. This is because it is a specialty rice that is grown in a limited area and requires a longer growing season.