Horse Gram delivers 22.0 g protein, 5.3 g fibre, and 6.8 mg iron per 100 g (ICMR IFCTs, 2017) - one of Ayurveda's most valued medicinal pulses, traditionally used for weight management and kidney stone prevention. Organic Mandya's horse gram is grown on certified organic farms in Karnataka without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers, completely unpolished (bran layer intact for full fibre and minerals), and lab-tested per batch with reports at trust.organicmandya.com. Whether you make horse gram rasam, kollu sundal, kulthi dal curry, or horse gram soup, this organic, unpolished version ensures your family gets the full nutrition without pesticide residues, polishing chemicals, or storage fumigants.
Table of Contents
What Is Horse Gram?
Horse Gram is a small, dark-brown lentil (Macrotyloma uniflorum) known in Ayurveda as 'kulatha' - classified as one of the most powerful medicinal pulses for its astringent (kashaya) and heating (ushna) properties. It is particularly popular in Karnataka (hurali), Tamil Nadu (kollu), and Andhra Pradesh. It has been part of Indian cuisine for centuries, valued for both its nutritional density and its versatility in traditional recipes. Organic Mandya sources this dal from NPOP-certified organic partner farms in Karnataka's Mandya district, where it is grown using natural pest management (neem sprays, crop rotation, companion planting) and zero synthetic chemicals.
The dal is mechanically processed without chemical treatment and is NOT polished with talc, soapstone, or oil. The matte, natural surface is the quality indicator - it means the fibre-rich bran layer is intact, preserving the B-vitamins, iron, and minerals that commercial polishing strips away.
How Is Organic Horse Gram Grown?
On Organic Mandya's partner farms, horse gram is grown following strict organic protocols: zero synthetic pesticides (neem-based pest management, pheromone traps), zero chemical fertilisers (legumes fix their own nitrogen; additional nutrition from compost and green manure), and crop rotation with millets or cereals. After harvest, the pulses are dried, split mechanically (where applicable), and stored without chemical fumigation. Every batch is lab-tested for pesticide residues, aflatoxin, moisture, and purity.
Organic Horse Gram vs Regular Horse Gram
|
What We Are Comparing |
Organic Mandya Horse Gram |
Regular Market Horse Gram |
|
Farming |
Certified organic (NPOP); zero pesticides |
Conventional; pesticides used |
|
Polishing |
Unpolished (bran intact; matte) |
Often polished (glossy; nutrients stripped) |
|
Fibre |
5.3 g/100g (full retention) |
Reduced 20-40% by polishing |
|
Iron |
6.8 mg/100g (intact) |
Reduced |
|
Pesticide residues |
Zero (certified) |
Possible |
|
Fumigation |
Zero |
Often fumigated during storage |
|
Certifications |
NPOP + FSSAI |
FSSAI only |
|
Lab tested |
trust.organicmandya.com |
Not published |
Health Benefits of Horse Gram
1. Plant protein for vegetarians (22.0 g/100g). Combined with rice or roti, horse gram provides complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids. One of Ayurveda's most valued medicinal pulses, traditionally used for weight management and kidney stone prevention.
2. Fibre for gut health and blood sugar (5.3 g/100g). The unpolished bran layer provides both soluble fibre (feeds gut bacteria) and insoluble fibre (prevents constipation). Fibre also slows glucose absorption, supporting blood sugar control.
3. Iron for blood health (6.8 mg/100g). Plant-based iron that helps fight anaemia. Pair with Vitamin C (lemon, tomato) for 3-6x better absorption.
4. Zero cholesterol, low fat. Heart-friendly protein source with no saturated fat concerns.
5. Unpolished = more nutrition. The intact bran layer means 20-40% more fibre, more B-vitamins, and more minerals than polished versions.
Horse Gram Nutrition Facts (Per 100g)
|
Nutrient |
Per 100g |
What It Does for You |
|
Calories |
321 kcal |
Sustained energy |
|
Protein |
22.0 g |
Builds muscle; repairs cells |
|
Fat |
Low |
Heart-friendly |
|
Fibre |
5.3 g |
Gut health; blood sugar control |
|
Iron |
6.8 mg |
Fights anaemia |
|
Potassium |
High |
Blood pressure regulation |
|
Folate |
Present |
Cell growth; pregnancy support |
Source: ICMR Indian Food Composition Tables, 2017
How Do I Use It Every Day?
Best preparations: horse gram rasam, kollu sundal, kulthi dal curry, horse gram soup. Soak for 30 minutes to 4 hours (depending on type). Pressure cook with turmeric and salt. Finish with a cumin-garlic-curry leaf tadka in A2 ghee. Pair with rice or roti for complete protein.
Who Should Eat Horse Gram? (And Who Should Be Careful?)
|
If You Are... |
Should You Try It? |
Why |
|
Vegetarian needing protein |
Yes |
22.0g protein/100g; complete with grains |
|
Diabetic |
Yes (moderate portions) |
Fibre slows glucose absorption |
|
Watching weight |
Yes |
High protein + fibre = satiety |
|
Pregnant |
Yes |
Iron + folate + protein |
|
Someone with gout |
Moderate (30g/day) |
Contains purines; limit if uric acid is high |
How to Identify Genuine Organic Horse Gram?
NPOP certification, FSSAI licence (#11219322000392), batch-level lab reports at trust.organicmandya.com. Matte, unpolished surface is visible proof. If a brand cannot show you the farm, the lab report, and the certification - ask why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is horse gram?
Horse Gram provides 22.0g protein and 5.3g fibre per 100g. It is grown organically, unpolished, and lab-tested. one of Ayurveda's most valued medicinal pulses, traditionally used for weight management and kidney stone prevention.
Q2. Is horse gram good for weight loss?
Yes - high protein (22.0g) and fibre (5.3g) create strong satiety. You feel full longer and eat less overall.
Q3. How do I cook horse gram?
Soak 30 minutes to 4 hours. Pressure cook 3-5 whistles with turmeric and salt. Add cumin-garlic tadka in A2 ghee. Serve with rice or roti.
Q4. Why does organic horse gram look less shiny?
Because it is unpolished. Regular dal is polished with talc or oil for glossy appearance, which strips fibre and minerals. Matte = bran intact = more nutrition.
