Choosing the Right Rice for the Summer Heat – Cooling Varieties from Yaadhum

Tamil Nadu summers test not just our patience but also our bodies. The heat seeps in, and if we’re not careful, our diet can either soothe or worsen its effects. In our tradition, rice isn’t just a staple — it’s a tool for balancing the body’s temperature.

At Yaadhum, we stock rice varieties chosen not only for their taste but for their seasonal benefits. In the heat, cooling rices are a blessing: Seeraga Samba, Kichili Samba, and Mappillai Samba are among the best.

Seeraga Samba, with its fragrant aroma, is light on the stomach and perfect for biryani or lemon rice. Kichili Samba has a subtle sweetness and smooth texture, ideal for curd rice that soothes the stomach. Mappillai Samba, slightly reddish and full of iron, gives strength without adding heat to the body — a favourite for those recovering from illness.

These varieties are grown by farmers who follow traditional seasonal calendars, ensuring the grains mature naturally under the right climate. Unlike polished white rice, they retain more nutrients and fibre, helping digestion and hydration in the body.

For those with Pitta body types, acidity, ulcers, or gastritis, these rices can make a real difference. Pair them with cooling accompaniments like buttermilk, cucumber pachadi, or simple mor kuzhambu, and you’ll find relief not just in taste but in how your body feels after a meal.

Choosing the right rice for the season is more than health advice — it’s a practice that kept our ancestors active and resilient in climates far hotter than today’s. By reviving these habits, we’re not just eating well; we’re living wisely.