Black Rice was once a privilege only for Emperors & Noblemen but forbidden to commoners. It promised them healthy, long lives free of chronic illnesses. While Black Rice is not being produced on a large scale, it is steadily spreading worldwide because of its numerous health benefits, exotic color & luxurious taste. Let us delve deeper into how this certified superfood from XIPHIAS Superfoods can boost your vitality.
A Little Bit into the History of Forbidden Rice
As mentioned above, black rice was a privilege meant only for the affluent. It belongs to the Oryza Sativa species and has been used in Chinese traditional medicine practices for thousands of years to ensure the wealthy lived long lives. Its rarity and rich nutritional profile made it a symbol of luxury and privilege in ancient China. Fortunately, it is no longer just a rich people’s delicacy.
People from all societal backgrounds can have black rice in their pantries. However, black rice is still not as widely produced as the other common rice types. But with XIPHIAS Superfoods, you get the most exclusive offers & the best quality Black Rice delivered right to your doorsteps.
Types of Black Rice Species and Their Physical Characteristics.
Forbidden rice comes in all shapes & sizes, be it long, medium, or short. When you taste it, it generally has a nutty & malty flavor and a chewier texture than most common rice species. It fits all your sweet or savory dishes, whether you make it as Payasam or have it with a Japanese Curry. Forbidden rice needs no invitation!
Like other rice species, forbidden rice has its many forms. Shorter ones are on the stickier side and long grains are non-sticky. Some of the common varieties are:
- Black Japonica Rice: It is a mix of black short-grain rice & medium Mahogany rice.
- Thai Black Jasmine Rice: A blend of Jasmin rice & Chinese Black rice.
- Italian Black Rice: A long-grain rice with a silky flavor which is a mix of Italian rice & Chinese Black rice.
- Black Glutinous rice: A short-grain black rice with a sweet flavor & sticky texture that is a staple in several Malaysian, Vietnamese, Chinese & Indonesian desserts.
Fun fact: Black glutinous does NOT contain gluten, just like all other rice varieties. The term “glutinous” has been used to describe the sticky & chewy texture of black rice.
- Balatinaw Black Rice: A semi-sticky black rice with brown flecks grown in the Philippines.
Now that we know a few black rice types, let’s discuss why you should include them in your diet.
Nutritional Facts about Black Rice
What can Black rice do, that your regular white rice cannot? Black rice is rich in history and packed with equally rich nutrients (source). As mentioned above, its nutritional value distinguishes it from other common rice types. Here is a breakdown of its nutritional profile and health benefits:
- High Antioxidant content
Black rice contains high levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. It contains 30 times more anthocyanins than white rice, making it a potent source of healthy antioxidants.
- Rich in Fiber
Black rice retains its bran layer, which is rich in dietary fiber, supporting better digestion, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and enhancing cardiovascular health. The high fiber content can also aid in weight management and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Low Glycemic Index
Black rice offers a fairly low Glycemic Index (GI) ranging (around 42.3) making it an excellent choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Unlike high-GI white rice which causes rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, black rice provides a steady release of energy and keeps you full for longer periods. So, it gives you the experience of a tasty, yet guilt-free dinner!
- Further additions to the nutritional profile of Forbidden Rice
Black rice is abundant in vitamins and minerals, boosting your eyes, heart, and overall immunity. A few of the nutrients that forbidden rice is a great source of are:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B2
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin B3
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Magnesium
Incorporating Black Rice into Your Diet
Now, will the different nutritional profiles affect your cooking? Well, somewhat. Black rice usually takes a little longer to cook than white rice and double the soaking time if you’re going for simple boiled rice. But here are two black rice recipes for you to enjoy the delicious & healthy wholesomeness of black rice.
Black Tofu Fried Rice
A recipe, suitable for people with lactose intolerance, vegan-friendly & great for evening dinner for your Friday nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black rice (cooked and cooled)
- Vegetable oil
- 1 block of tofu
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup diced carrots & green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Precooked & cooled black rice is ideal for this recipe.
- Cut up a tofu block as desired.
- This is an optional step but coating the tofu with a pinch of salt, black pepper & chili powder can significantly enhance the taste.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the veggies and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add the black rice and cooked tofu back into the skillet. Stir continuously. Season with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, & sesame oil. Adjust seasoning with salt, & pepper (you may add some parsley & a few pinches of onion powder if you want to go extra with the flavors.)
- Serve hot.
B)Thai Black Rice Pudding
Now that you have had something savory, you deserve a sweet treat. This Thai black rice pudding is the perfect ending to your dinner. Sweetness has never been this healthy. Let’s get into it:
Ingredients
- 1 cup black sticky rice
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- ¼ cup Palm sugar or dark brown sugar
- Pandan(ScrewPine) Leaves (substitute with vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse thoroughly & soak for at least four hours. You can also soak it overnight. Drain it right before cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked black rice & 2 ½ cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook in the steam for at least 30 minutes. Check if the rice is tender & the water is absorbed.
- Add your Pandan leaves (if using) or add a few drops of vanilla extract. Add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Combine 1 cup of warm (not boiling) coconut milk, ¼ cup sugar, and salt. Remove the cooked rice from the heat & add the coconut milk mixture. Mix very well.
- You can serve it hot, or chill the pudding and add some diced mango toppings.
Black rice is versatile and even simple boiled rice with stir-fried veggies & some kimchi can be very filling and nutritious. Top it off with a drizzle of soy sauce to enhance the umami taste & make your meal even more satisfying.
In Conclusion
With its vibrant history and impressive nutritional intake, Black rice, or Forbidden rice, is more than a culinary luxury. From its journey as a food of the elite to its modern-day status as a superfood, black rice offers numerous health benefits and versatile culinary uses. With XIPHIAS Superfoods’ finest quality Black Rice, you can savor this healthy goodness & elevate your diet.
XIPHIAS Superfoods’ sustainable & organic cultivation practices ensure you get the best of premium quality & eco-conscious farming. We prioritize natural soil enrichment, and water conservation, and avoid synthetic pesticides. These measures preserve the rich texture of our Black rice but also safeguard future generations. You are stepping towards better health and a better planet by choosing XIPHIAS Superfoods.
