Traditional Rice
The rice cultivation has a long and parallel relationship with the country’s history and culture and Sri Lankan has practised an agriculture-based lifestyle for the past 3 millennia. According to the evidence collected through written history and archaeology, rice cultivation of the island goes back to the period of 900-600 BC.
Masuran (මසුරන්)
Masuran is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120cm and is resistant to lodging. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding during the Yala season and within 4½ months in the Maha season.The potential yield is about 80 bushels per acre. This plant is resistant to the rice blast disease and plays an important role in weed control as its leaves tend to turn downwards during maturity. Masuran is widely cultivated in the wet zone.Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, cholesterol and oxidative stress. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.
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Sudu Heeneti
A small white heirloom rice variety, Sudu Heeneti is highly nutritious, rich in antioxidants, and ideal for traditional Sri Lankan medicinal diets. It has a soft texture and mild, earthy flavor.
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Dahanala
Dahanala is a rare, nutrient-dense traditional rice with a reddish hue. It is favored for its high fiber content and mild, sweet taste, making it perfect for porridge and healthy meals.
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Dik Wee
Dik Wee is a medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 150 cm. This crop can be harvested within 4 to 4½ months from seeding.
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Kalu Heeneti
This variety of rice is named Kalu Heeneti because of the color of its lemma and palea which turn blackish at maturity. It is traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka and produces a red medium sized grain. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120 cm.
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Ma Wee
Ma Wee is a red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The grain varies in size and shape from short and round varieties to long medium sized varieties. It is one of the tallest rice plants cultivated and develops to a maximum height of 350 cm.
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Pokkali
Pokkali is a popular red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The culm of plant is about 130 cm in height and bears about 10 tillers per plant. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding.
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Pachchaperumal
Pachchaperumal is a very popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120 cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. At the stage of ripening the plant stem becomes light bluish in color.
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Madathawalu
Madathawalu is a very popular short-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 130 cm. This crop can be harvested within 4 months from seeding.
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Gonabaru
Gonabaru is a popular medium-grain rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 140 cm. This crop can be harvested within 5 months from seeding.
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Goda Heeneti
Godaheeneti is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka, which belongs to the heeneti type. The plant develops to a maximum height of 160 cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding.
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Rath Suwandal
Rathsuwandal is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120 cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding.