Black rice was a valuable commodity in ancient China as it was grown in very limited quantities. This is why every grain of this crop was seized and consumed by the Chinese royalty and nobility, and its consumption by the common folk was banned. Thus, its alternative name ‘forbidden rice’ was coined.

One serving of black or forbidden rice contains only around 160 calories, but offers a very high amount of flavanoid phytonutrients, a good source of important fiber, substantial mineral content including iron and copper, and even a good source of plant based protein. Just the outside hull of the grain has one of the highest levels of anthocyanin antioxidants of any food!

The bonnet or Parboiled rice remains grainy and does not grease during cooking. It is used mainly for spiced risotto but also for all uses. The absence of fat, cholesterol and salts makes it an ideal and healthy food, even for people with special nutritional needs such as vegetarians. It is the most suitable type of rice for risotto as it remains grainy.

Ratio: Wild rice 20% - Parboiled 80%