Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TOI
Context: Chokuwa rice, also known as Magic rice, is a distinctive part of Assam’s culinary heritage and has recently been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its uniqueness.
About Chokuwa rice:
- This rice was a staple for the troops of the Ahom dynasty in Assam and is cultivated in various parts of the region, especially around the Brahmaputra area.
- Chokuwa rice is a semi-glutinous winter rice, categorized as Sali rice. It comes in sticky and glutinous varieties, known as Bora and Chokuwa, based on their amylose content.
- The low-amylose Chokuwa rice is used to make soft rice, which can be consumed after soaking in cold or lukewarm water.
- The rice is pre-boiled, dried, stored, and then soaked before eating, making it convenient and nutritious.
- Chokuwa rice is enjoyed with various accompaniments like curd, sugar, jaggery, and bananas, and is also used in traditional Assamese dishes like Pithe.
