Black Sticky Rice
Also widely known as ‘purple rice’ or the ‘forbidden rice’, black sticky rice is a variety of the Oryza sativa L species. Black rice gets the signature purple-black hue from a pigment known as anthocyanin, packed with potent anti-oxidants. It is widely cultivated and consumed in several South Asian countries. This unique-looking variety of rice has been a staple in North-East Indian kitchens since time immemorial. It has been the subject of various experiments when it comes to being served on a platter.
na Kper: Homegardens’ Harvest brings to you the choicest grains of black sticky rice cultivated and harvested with the aid of age-old traditional farming techniques from the ‘Hali’, a local name for Paddy fields amongst the Jaiñtia community of Meghalaya. Our black sticky rice grain has adequately been sundried on drying mats called ‘Chylliah’ made of bamboos and carefully pulverised to retain its purple hue and nutrients. Every packet of Black sticky rice has undergone a dedicated and painstaking cleaning and packaging process by our dedicated staff to deliver the very best produce from the Hali of Meghalaya.
Health Benefits
It so happens that the signature black-purple hue isn’t the unique feature of this variety of rice. Let’s take a look at some other notable features of the black sticky rice-
- It is rich in anti-oxidants: It has been found that black sticky rice contains over 23 plant compounds with antioxidant properties. It also has the highest antioxidant capacity of all rice varieties. Antioxidants play a significant role in protecting your body against ailments such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and certain cancer forms.
- Contains Anthocyanin: As mentioned earlier, Anthocyanin is the plant pigment responsible for the signature black-purple of the black sticky rice, alongside other plant-based foods like blueberries and purple sweet potatoes. Anthocyanin serves as a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
- It is good for the heart: Black Rice also serves as a rich source of Flavonoids, a compound that plays a vital role in decreasing the risks of developing heart disease.
- It is Gluten-free: Black Rice is naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein that triggers several gastrointestinal side-effects and is a cause of major concern for people afflicted with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Black Rice will serve as the perfect addition to your gluten-free diet.
Reduces blood sugar levels: While more research still needs to be done in this field, there are great chances that consuming black sticky rice can bring down blood sugar levels in Type 2 Diabetes.
How to prepare the rice?
- Ideally, our black sticky rice does not need to be washed, as it has been hygienically packed, but it may be rinsed once for sticklers.
- Heat the pot and add the rice when the pot has been properly heated.
- Add water just enough to submerge the rice.
- Cook it for a few minutes until the water dries off. Insert a spoon, preferably a wooden spoon, and if the rice can hold the spoon upright, that could be an indication that the rice is ready.
- If the rice looks undercooked, a little bit of hot water can be added and cooked until it has softened to your preferences.
- Cooked black sticky rice can be served for your meals or as a dessert. It tastes best when eaten together with milk or can be prepared as the famous Indian Kheer.
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