Black Rice Recipe (Forbidden Rice) - A Spicy Perspective (2024)

FAQs

Is black rice the same as forbidden rice? ›

Thanks to its nutty flavor and striking purple hue, black rice, also called forbidden rice, had been one of my favorite grains when we lived in Austin. I'd get it from the bulk bins at the grocery store, eagerly anticipating adding it to salads and bowls when I got home.

By soaking black rice 30 minutes before cooking, you'll end up with a more tender and moist texture. Otherwise, you can also prepare it straight from the jar for a texture that's firmer and more chewy.

Black rice, which often turns dark purple once cooked, has a mild, nutty taste similar to brown rice. Also referred to as "forbidden rice," it's a great source of iron, vitamins and antioxidants.

Regular intake of black rice may reduce cholesterol levels and inflammation in the walls of blood vessels. This may help in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and blood pressure. Additionally, the flavonoids present in black rice may also reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Forbidden rice is also known as imperial rice, heaven rice and king's rice. In ancient China, this exquisite ingredient was exclusive to the emperors, who ate it for longevity and good health. It was forbidden to all but the most wealthy and powerful people, thus its name.

The healthiest foods for diabetics are ones that are high in fibre, healthy fats, and protein while being low in carbs and sugar. Black rice is one of the less well-known but healthy foods for diabetes.

If you aren't careful to wash black rice before cooking it in the rice cooker, you could end up with a gummy result, or worse – the excess starches could cause a volcano-like effect in your rice cooker and spill starchy purple goo all over your kitchen counter.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the rice is chewy-tender and almost all of the liquid is absorbed, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing and serving.

Unopened black rice can last up to 2 years if stored correctly. If unopened but past the printed expiry date, use your judgement and observe it's appearance and scent once opened, because black rice can hold up well past its expiry date. Once opened and stored correctly, it can stay good for about 6-8 months.

Black rice (also known as forbidden black rice or emperor's rice) is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It was once reserved only for the wealthy and powerful to ensure their health and long life. No one else was allowed to eat it.

Can you eat forbidden rice everyday? ›

“While black rice is highly nutritious, rather than eating it daily, it's best to rotate it with other whole grain options for more dietary variety and to reduce your intake of arsenic [which is found in most types of rice],” says Chatfield.

Black rice is not as easy to grow as other rice varieties because it only yields about 10 percent of the harvest that other rice varieties do. That makes the rice very expensive, which is why it was initially reserved only for the richest of the rich—which meant Chinese royalty at the time it was first discovered.

Fact: Cooking black rice may take slightly longer than white rice, but it is not particularly difficult. It can be steamed, boiled, or cooked in a rice cooker just like other varieties of rice. Myth 5: Black rice is hard to digest. Fact: Black rice is not inherently difficult to digest.

You simply need to substitute your regular white rice with black rice for the weight-loss process. Black rice is an excellent low-carbohydrate and low-calorie replacement for white rice that is rich in protein and fibre content.

Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, black rice also protects liver and kidney from injuries.

This dark-colored rice, which is a deep purple-black, has alternate names including purple rice, forbidden rice, and emperor's rice. It has a rich, complex flavor, with a distinct nuttiness and a hint of sweetness from the anthocyanin pigments.

Similar to black rice, red rice, or Oryza rufipogon, is a medium or long grain variety coloured by its anthocyanin content.

Eating Black Rice was believed to promote longevity, vitality, and bring good fortune. Commoners were forbidden from consuming it, and because of this, it was referred to as "forbidden rice" or "emperor's rice." But what makes Black Rice so special?

When they went to the market to buy some, they learned that black rice is called hei mei in Chinese, but is also referred to as 'longevity rice' or 'tribute rice', because according to legend in the Sung and Tang Dynasties (about 900 CE) it was reserved for the emperors to ensure their good health and long life.