Navara Rice, also known as Njavara, is a renowned GI-tagged variety of red rice grown predominantly in Kerala's Palakkad region. Celebrated for its wholegrain quality and distinctive red husk, Navara Rice is extensively sought after by health-conscious individuals and those looking to control their sugar intake effectively. This unique rice variety is highly valued in Ayurveda and traditionally known as 'Shastikashaali' due to its quick maturity cycle of approximately 60 days.

Historically recognized for its medicinal properties since ancient times, Navara Rice has held an integral place in Ayurvedic treatments, prominently utilized for its rejuvenating and curative qualities. Notably cultivated in the lush landscapes of the Palakkad Gap within the UNESCO-protected biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats, Navara Rice has been hailed as the "Mother of All Cures" for generations.

Harvested through eco-friendly and sustainable practices, including the renowned More Than Organic™ cultivation method, Navara Rice harmoniously combines traditional agricultural wisdom with modern technology. The black-glumed Navara variety, primarily sourced from higher elevations like Wayanad, is especially prized due to its superior medicinal and nutritional benefits.

Medicinally, Navara Rice has numerous therapeutic applications. It is widely used in Ayurveda to treat conditions such as psoriasis, diabetes, osteoporosis, liver cirrhosis, and piles. During Kerala's monsoon month of Karkidakam, it is popularly consumed as Karkkidaka kanji or Marunnu kanji, a gruel believed to strengthen immunity and combat seasonal fatigue.

Additionally, Navara Rice is ideal for diabetic diets due to its low glycemic index. Its high fiber content aids digestion, prevents constipation, and assists in weight management. Rich in antioxidants, zinc, iron, protein, and complex carbohydrates, it far surpasses regular polished rice in nutritional value.

Navara is also extensively used as baby food, particularly beneficial for infants and the elderly due to its easy digestibility. When cooked with milk, herbs, and natural sweeteners, it becomes a wholesome and nutritious porridge known as Navara Palkanji, nourishing infants and elders alike.

The culinary versatility of Navara Rice includes its use in porridges, desserts, and various traditional dishes, offering both taste and health benefits. With its longstanding heritage and multifaceted uses, Palakkad's Navara Rice stands as a cherished souvenir symbolizing Kerala's rich agricultural and medicinal traditions.