Abstract:

Kerala, the land of rich biodiversity, is a treasure of land races of many crops. The speciality rice varieties of Kerala include Pokkali (organic rice), Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala (scented rice varieties), Black Njavara and Golden Njavara (medicinal rice varieties). A study on the nutraceutical properties of these speciality rice varieties was made to understand their health benefits. Oil content in the rice bran and antioxidants like oryzanol, tocopherol and tocotrienol in the rice bran oil (RBO) of these rice varieties were estimated and compared apart from the quality and nutritional analysis of both rice and bran.