Manipur Black Rice: Nutritious And Exotic

In this article, Onam Vaid highlights that aromatic black rice is dense in nutrients and contains powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. The nutrients present in the black rice help to flush out toxins from the body. It also aids in the functioning of the brain. Aromatic black rice helps in body metabolism. It also has low glycaemic index; hence it is beneficial for diabetic and heart patients. In comparison with other types of rice, black rice is the lowest in calories and highest in protein. It is expected that the GI tag and the renewed interest in the healthy properties of this rice variety will encourage commercial cultivation and marketing across the world.

- Onam Vaid

Black rice or forbidden rice is a rare and very old variety of rice. In India, it is cultivated in Manipur and traditionally known as ‘Chak hao amubi’ where ‘chak hao’ means delicious and ‘amubi’ means black. The scientific name of black rice is Oryza sativa L. It is the cultivated form of wild rice and has been part of Asian culinary culture for the last 7000 to 9000 years. The black rice is glutinous in nature and is also sticky, which has a slightly nutty flavour. Upon being cooked, this black rice turns deep purple in colour due to the high content of anthocyanin. Thus, it is also known as purple rice. It is a rich source of Vitamin E and thus good for the skin and hair. Aromatic black rice is dense in nutrients and contains powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. The nutrients present in the black rice help to flush out toxins from the body. It also aids in the functioning of the brain. The rich fibre content not only helps to regulate bowel movements, diarrhoea and bloating but also helps to prevent obesity. Aromatic black rice helps in body metabolism. It also has low glycaemic index; hence it is beneficial for diabetic and heart patients.

Black rice is used to prepare desserts, idli, dosa, noodles, risotto, porridge, and bread. Black rice is usually grown in warm climate and requires at least 3–6 months to grow fully. Black rice requires full sunlight with enormous watering. The germination of seeds requires sustainable temperature of approximately 21°C.