Poongar Rice

Poongar arisi is a red-colored, unpolished rice variety from Tamil Nadu often given to young girls and pregnant and lactating mothers. It’s a time-honored grain revered across Tamil Nadu for its restorative power, especially for women during pregnancy, postpartum and hormonal transitions. Unpolished, gluten-free and loaded with essential minerals, it supports strength, stamina and natural healing. Traditionally used by postpartum mothers, it naturally improves milk production and supports women’s hormonal health.

Iron-rich, it helps fight fatigue, supports oxygen transport, builds hemoglobin and red blood cells. Poongar rice is cultivated in all types of soil in Tamil Nadu during Navarai season (December to March). Farmers say this crop can withstand and grow in drought conditions as well as during floods. It is rich in anthocyanin (an antioxidant) which gives it reddish brown color and nutty flavor. It contains minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium and molybdenum and has a low glycemic index. The rice is great for making idlis, dosas, iddiyappam, puttu, kanji, and even sweets.