Padinjakkara Annam Palakkadan Single Matta Rice: The Simple, Wholesome Red Rice of Kerala

For many Kerala families, lunch isn't complete without a plate of warm, reddish-brown Matta rice. Palakkadan Single Matta Rice is a simple, dependable choice for that daily meal: wholesome, filling and full of old-fashioned flavour.

The Story of Palakkad's Red Rice

Matta rice comes from Palakkad, often called the "rice bowl of Kerala." The district lies beside the Palakkad Gap, a natural opening in the Western Ghats that lets monsoon rains and winds reach its fertile plains, fed by the Bharathapuzha and its tributaries. Farmers here have grown paddy for generations, and Palakkadan Matta is recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product.

The rice gets its colour and character from parboiling the paddy before milling, a traditional method that keeps the grain sturdy and flavourful. The "Single" variety is commonly understood to be parboiled once, which gives it a lighter, milder character than the deeper-hued double-boiled kind.

Padinjakkara Annam carries this tradition forward. The rice is milled at Bismillah Rice Mill, where the paddy is parboiled, polished and naturally aged before being packed for your kitchen. Ageing lets the grain settle, so it cooks up firmer and fluffier.

A Daily Favourite in Kerala Kitchens

Some foods feel like home the moment they reach the table, and this rice is one of them. Its mild, earthy aroma fills the kitchen as it cooks, and each grain has a satisfying bite without being heavy. It is easy to cook, easy to love and easy on the budget, which makes it a natural everyday choice.

It suits almost every Kerala meal. Spoon a spicy fish curry over it and the rice softens the heat. Pair it with sambar, parippu or pulissery, or serve it beside a simple thoran or avial. On a rainy evening, a warm bowl of kanji with chammanthi and pappadam is hard to beat.

Why Matta Rice Is Good for You

Parboiling before milling, plus light polishing, helps Matta rice keep more of its goodness than regular polished white rice.

• Good source of fibre - It aids digestion and helps you feel full for longer. Annam's Matta rice lists about 2.2 g per 100 g.
• Retains minerals and B vitamins - Parboiling draws nutrients from the outer layers into the grain, so more survive milling.
• Gentler on blood sugar - Parboiled red rice generally has a lower glycaemic response than polished white rice, which is why many families choose it for balanced meals.
• Steady energy - With about 350 kcal and 76 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, it keeps you going through a busy day.
• Light and clean -  It is low in fat (about 1.2 g per 100 g), salt-free and sold without preservatives.

Rice is still carbohydrate-rich, so watch your portions. If you have diabetes or another health condition, ask your doctor or dietitian how much suits you.

Get Fresh Matta Rice Delivered from Annam

Padinjakkara Annam Palakkadan (Single) Matta Rice, milled at Bismillah Rice Mill, comes in convenient 5 kg and 10 kg packs. Order or send a bulk enquiry at annamrice.in