Black rice—also known as forbidden rice or “emperor’s rice”—is popular for its high levels of antioxidants and superior nutritional value. Forbidden rice earned its name because it was once reserved for the Chinese emperor to ensure his health and longevity, and forbidden to anyone else. Forbidden rice is a medium-grain, non-glutinous heirloom rice with a deep purple hue and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. This whole-grain rice is rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidant pigments that give the rice its unusual colour. The most nutritious rice in the rice family — it’s high in fiber, antioxidants, protein, and iron. This, combined with its high level of anthocyanins, makes it a nutrition powerhouse. According to Chinese medicine, it is considered a blood tonic.
Red rice — like black rice, it’s packed with flavonoid antioxidants, including the anthocyanins apigenin, myricetin, and quercetin. In fact, research shows that red rice has significantly more potential to fight free radicals and contains higher concentrations of flavonoid antioxidants than brown rice.
With our servings of multigrain rice that consists of black, red, and brown rice, you’re sure to get the best of everything!
- Zara Agnes
- Founder, HCCF
