Black Rice: The superfood from Manipur, with a GI tag
Chak Hao, also known as black rice, grown in Manipur has captured the imagination of gastronomes across the world. From the fields of Manipur, tonnes have reached the tables of
Chak Hao, also known as black rice, grown in Manipur has captured the imagination of gastronomes across the world. From the fields of Manipur, tonnes have reached the tables of Europe getting all the gastronomical attention it deserves.
Chak Hao has an interesting history of its own. In China, it was only grown and reserved for the consumption of the Emperor for both its unique colour and properties thus giving it the moniker of Forbidden Rice, as commoners were not allowed to eat it.
Black rice is known for its high nutritional content especially anthocyanin, which, incidentally, also gives a deep dark hue to the rice. Being rich in vitamins, minerals without having gluten content made it popular among the fitness enthusiasts of India and abroad.
With the popularity of Chak Hao came the danger of Manipur losing its uniqueness as a grower of the Black rice variety. Many places in India started procuring the seeds and growing them in their respective regions flooding the market with the non ‘Manipuri’ produce.
It was then the Consortium of Producers of Chakhao applied for a GI tag. Facilitated by the Government of Manipur and was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur, and NERAMAC the black rice of Manipur bagged the GI tag in May 2020.
Black rice grown in Manipur is known for its unique aroma and is traditionally used to make the Chak Hao kheer. Now Indian restaurants are using it to create risotto dishes, puddings, salads, and ice-creams.
For now, the GI tag has ensured that Black Rice grown in areas outside Manipur affects its uniqueness. Farmers in Manipur can rest easy that their traditional ways of producing the black rice which lends the black rice its unique aroma and properties will somehow be safeguarded.
First Published: 31st October, 2021 15:34 IST
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Assam Guv pays courtesy visit to VP Jagdeep Dhankar
08th August 2022
Live 3 round of talks between ATSUM & HAC remains inconclusive
08th August 2022
Live Tripura: Leaders of different political parties jump ship to Congress
08th August 2022
Live Former Indian football players want Bhaichung Bhutia to contest for AIFF President
08th August 2022
WE RECOMMEND
3 round of talks between ATSUM & HAC remains inconclusive
Despite 3 rounds of talks between the All Tribal Students Union Manipur and the Hill Areas Committee over the ADC Bill, 2021 and the arrest of 5 ATSUM leaders, efforts remained futile as the two sides failed to come to an agreement. (Visited 3 times, 3 visits today)
08th August 2022
ATSUM – Hill Areas Committee member’s talks remain inconclusive
Paul Karang informed Northeast Live that the talks had failed to yield any result and that more discussions may follow in the following days.
08th August 2022
Rousing reception accorded to Mirabai Chanu, Bindyarani Devi in Manipur
Hundreds thronged the airport to congratulate the weightlifters, as their families waited to adorn them with garlands.
07th August 2022
ATSUM clarifies on imposition of total shutdown
ATSUM has clarified their positions on the imposition of the last total shutdown in the hill districts, as a protest against the failure of the state Government to implement what was agreed upon. (Visited 11 times, 6 visits today)
07th August 2022
Manipur Govt suspends internet services to curb communal tension
With escalating communal tensions triggered by vehicle arson and circulation of hate speeches and videos on social media, the government of Manipur has suspended internet services in the entire state for the next five days. (Visited 8 times, 2 visits today)
07th August 2022