Tamilnadu Pal Veliyan Rice – SAF Natural

Veliyan is one of the native varieties of rice cultivated by farmers in Wayanad. This is a long duration crop, which stands tall, is drought tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases. The Kurichiya tribes in Wayanad consume a variety of Veliyan, which according to them, give satiety and provide energy to carry out physical work. Specific varieties of heritage rice are cultivated to suit specific consumption requirements. For instance, rice varieties which have white kernels are preferred for making breakfast; red kernel Veliyan varieties like Chettu Veliyan are preferred for lunch. Varieties like Pal Veliyan are preferred for preparing rice gruel. The cooked rice water of Veliyan varieties, once strained is extremely tasty and can be used to make soups. Right before harvest, the plant appears to look like a pot of milk boiling over; hence the name Pal (milk) Veliyan.