Is Black Rice the Next Super Food?
By: Tanya Jolliffe,
SparkPeople Blogger
9/6/2010 1:35 PM
: 122 comments
: 20,673 Views
There are many cost effective and nutrient rich foods. Brown rice is one choice frequently selected as a side dish or to stretch a casserole. We have known for a while that fruits such blueberries and blackberries are high in antioxidants. New research presented at the American Chemical Society meeting has found that black rice might top them both in the cost effective nutritious super food category.
In China, black rice is known as "Forbidden Rice." This term was coined for the common person since it was primarily used only by the nobles. Today, there are many varieties of black rice used in Asia in favorites like sushi, pudding, as well as the emerging area of food decoration. The unmilled dark husks color the grain during cooking and give it a purplish color that cause some to refer to it as purple rice. Add to that the fact that black rice is categorized as a brown rice, and you can see why it can be a very confusing grain.
Here are some helpful quick facts about black rice.
Have you ever heard of or tried black rice? What do you find most interesting about this potential new super food?
In China, black rice is known as "Forbidden Rice." This term was coined for the common person since it was primarily used only by the nobles. Today, there are many varieties of black rice used in Asia in favorites like sushi, pudding, as well as the emerging area of food decoration. The unmilled dark husks color the grain during cooking and give it a purplish color that cause some to refer to it as purple rice. Add to that the fact that black rice is categorized as a brown rice, and you can see why it can be a very confusing grain.
Here are some helpful quick facts about black rice.
- It provides a fragrant aroma and a nutty taste and is lower in gluten compared to other rice. It is naturally high in iron (which leads to its color), as well as being high in fiber because of the bran.
- It is rich in anthiocyanin antioxidants which assist in reducing risks of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. The new research suggests black rice bran extract will be used as additives in cereals, beverages, and baked goods. Be on the lookout for marketing hype touting these products as a good source of antioxidants.
- The bran contains vitamin E compounds (same as in brown rice) that serve as antioxidants that reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and may help fight heart disease.
- Their bran extracts produce a variety of colors which could provide a healthier option for manufactures use in foods and beverages in place of artificial colorants.
- Important to allow a slightly longer cooking time with slightly more water (quarter cup) during cooking due to the bran husk. Soaking the rice in water for at least an hour before cooking will help produce a tender product.
- Has a short shelf life. It is best to store black rice in a cool cellar or under refrigeration and use within three months.
Have you ever heard of or tried black rice? What do you find most interesting about this potential new super food?
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Comments
So ... if the purple rice is the same thing as black rice, I'm on it already! If not, I'll just keep looking. I love different types of rices!! - 11/7/2011 4:11:21 PM
Wheat, barley, rye and triticale contain gluten. There is some debate whether oats contain gluten, but most research suggests that the gluten comes from cross-contamination and is not inherent in the grain itself. - 9/13/2010 4:47:33 PM
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d=2856894 - 9/10/2010 10:20:55 AM
I will try Amazon to see if they have it here. - 9/8/2010 4:03:52 AM
Forbidden Black Rice Salad
Recipe by Mitch Madoff, Whole Foods NYC Commissary/Deli
This is Whole Foods Market, NYC best selling salad!
2 cups Forbidden Rice
3 1/2 cups water
2 Tbls Tamari
3 Tbls Sesame Oil
1 pound roasted diced sweet potatoes
3/4 cup diced red peppers
3/4 cup diced yellow peppers
1/2 bunch sliced scallions
Bring rice, water and pinch of salt to a quick bowl, cover and lower heat to a simmer for 30 minutes. Let rice sit while you whisk together sesame oil and tamari. While rice is still warm toss in the sesame oil and tamari mixture. Let cool, then add sweet potatoes, red peppers, yellow peppers, scallions, and salt, pepper to taste.
- 9/7/2010 2:12:47 PM
I've seen it in bulk bins, and in packages from LotusFoods: http://www.lotusfoods.com / .
I'd like to try it at some point, but right now we have a few different varieties of rice to enjoy.
When I cook, it's just for the two of us - my husband and myself. I have to keep in mind the shelf life of products - we don't want to waste. - 9/7/2010 11:38:24 AM
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