Rice is a very popular dish and one of the world’s most consumed starchy foods. White, brown, red, or even black: Several rice varieties have different nutritional properties. We invite you to discover one of these varieties, black rice or “venere rice.” Unlike the white rice that we usually eat, this black rice has many health benefits. It also has something to seduce many palates with its delicious nutty taste and its pretty purple colour after cooking!

What is black rice, and what is its nutritional value? Similarly, how to use this rice for cooking? Let’s discover together the benefits of black rice as well as how to cook black rice.

What Is Black Rice?

History and Origin of Black Rice

Black rice comes from Asia and, more precisely, from China. In fact, there is not just one type of black-coloured rice but several varieties, including venere rice, Nerone rice, and Camargue black rice (guaranteed by the Protected Geographical Indication or IGP).

Formerly, during the era of imperial China, it was nicknamed “forbidden rice” or “emperor’s rice.” Because of its nutritional qualities and rarity, only the Emperor and his court had the privilege of consuming this food renowned for its nutritional benefits.

Synonymous with longevity, black rice is good for your health because it is rich in vitamins and fibre. Unlike white rice, it is black rice. After decortication, it is always provided with the second envelope surrounding the grain: the pericarp. This second outer skin is edible (unlike the first) and contains many nutrients.

Venere Rice, a Variety of Black Rice

Riz venere (pronounced “venerable rice “) is one of Europe’s best-known and most consumed varieties of black rice. It is also found in commerce under the name of “rice of Venus, “in reference to the goddess of love and seduction. In Chinese tradition, it would be an aphrodisiac food.

This variety of integral black rice is now grown in northern Italy, in the heart of the Po Valley. Thanks to its soft texture after cooking and its sweet scent of sandalwood, venere black rice is an exceptional dish for those who wish to make healthy and tasty dishes.

What Are The Benefits Of Black Rice?

Cultivated for several millennia by humans, cereals and seeds are an integral part of our diet. Thus, rice is a grass that has always been coveted for its richness in carbohydrates and its satiating properties. The benefits of black rice are even more numerous than classic rice, given its nutritional value and role as a “super starch.” Let’s find out why we can say that it is the best price for health, and if you eat black rice today, you will not regret it.

Nutritional Qualities of Black Rice

The blackish colour of this integral rice may put off a certain number of gourmets. However, black rice and danger do not rhyme together; quite the contrary! Its colouring indicates the presence of natural pigments beneficial to health. In addition, it is a gluten-free food, and therefore without risk for people with celiac disease.

The nutritional value of black rice is high since it contains the following:

• complex carbohydrates;
• proteins (including essential amino acids for our body such as tryptophan and lysine);
• dietary fibre;
• vitamin B and E;
• Trace elements (iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus).

Whole black rice has the virtue of being rich in fibre, which makes it an excellent appetite suppressant. In addition to creating a feeling of satiety, it facilitates digestion and improves intestinal transit. In addition, eating black rice helps limit the absorption of LDL, the “bad cholesterol,” which can lead to being overweight or the onset of cardiovascular disease.

Black rice also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties since it is one of the coloured cereals with the highest anthocyanin content. Therefore, it is an excellent ally to protect our body from free radicals (responsible for cellular aging) and fight against certain cancers.

Black Rice, a Super Starchy Food

Black rice or purple rice is part of the starch family, just like pasta or semolina. Like other rice varieties, black rice is a source of complex carbohydrates. It is an excellent energy source, thus making it possible to sustainably nourish our organisms to provide effort throughout the day.

These “slow sugars” make black rice a super starchy food that nourishes your body longer. Its consumption is particularly recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. You will also find several dietary recipes for black rice for diabetics because this starch allows you to make balanced and healthy dishes in order to maintain a good blood sugar level.

Which Rice Is Healthier?

The healthiest rice for your health is certainly whole-grain rice. Indeed, it retains all the nutrients contained in the pericarp, the second outer skin of the grain. Whole black rice is, therefore, excellent for your body!

Conversely, avoid pre-cooked or “quick-cook” rice. It is the least nutritious rice since it undergoes pre-cooking and has a higher glycemic index. Some prepared rice may also contain unnatural additives or preservatives. So take the time to cook black rice yourself to retain all of its nutritional benefits.

How to Cook Black Rice? 

There is no shortage of recipes with black rice! As an accompaniment to a savoury dish, to stuff seasonal vegetables, in a summer salad or even in risotto, black rice brings a touch of character and a unique flavour to your meals. Something to vary the pleasures while making balanced and nutritious dishes.

Visit the ADNOOR website to get the best long-grain rice, golden Sella basmati rice, brown rice, white rice, Super Kernel Basmati Rice, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. We take pride in saying that we are the Best Basmati rice brand in Canada, and we have been the importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, and co-packers of various nuts and grains in Canada for the last 25 years. So, without wasting time, visit our website and order what you need.