Thai rice, basmati, Carmargue, round, broken twice, white, wholemeal or semi-complete, there are many varieties of rice. The advantage of this cereal is that it can be found all over the world and is gluten-free. Rice can therefore quickly become the best ally of the celiac patient, the allergic or the gluten intolerant. To vary the pleasures and put a little exoticism in your plate, discover the black and red rice!
De l'importance de choisir du riz bio
Rice and all whole grains have kept the husks that protect their seeds. This means that all the pesticides and antifungals used for preservation are on the surface of the husk. If your rice is not organic, you are consuming these pollutants, which is why it is important to choose organic whole grain rice (regardless of variety). Furthermore, by choosing a brand that advocates organic, you are supporting an ethical commitment to the farmers and the environment.
Le riz noir ou le « riz des Empereurs »
Black rice has been grown and consumed in Asia for centuries. Being a rare cereal, it was reserved at the time for a certain category of privileged people. In China, it was called the "Rice of the Emperors". This says a lot about the exceptionality of this cereal.
Black rice has nothing to do with the white rice tinted with squid ink that can be found in the Mediterranean basin. It is a unique variety that comes from Thailand. Its characteristic color comes from the pericarp, which is the part of the fruit that envelops the seed. The flavor of black rice is mild, slightly sweet with a hint of hazelnut. Some people also say that its taste is reminiscent of "bread from the oven". A real delight.
Zoom sur la couleur noire du riz noir
The ebony color of black rice is due to the pericarp still present. This coloring is totally natural and comes from the variety of this unique rice. Moreover, the fact that the seed is only hulled and not polished allows the rice to keep its characteristic black color and to preserve the nutrients it contains without damage.
After scientific analysis, it would seem that black rice possesses anti-oxidants, including anthocyanin, which would give it medicinal properties, particularly in the prevention of certain cancers and blood vessels. It also turns out that these protective effects are more important in black rice than in organic brown rice. We can thus say that black rice could be considered as an "alicament" (contraction between food and medicine)
Le riz rouge, un hybride naturel
Red rice is the result of a spontaneous and natural crossing between wild and cultivated rice. Its red color comes from the clay soils in which it is cultivated. As for its flavor, it reminds of subtle notes of hazelnut and this rice has a particular texture.
Like black rice, red rice is whole grain. It is unpolished and retains all its nutritional potential in terms of vitamins, minerals, proteins, trace elements and fiber.
Easily digestible, it is recommended for athletes and diabetics because of its fibers that allow the release of sugar in the blood gradually avoiding a glycemic peak after the meal. Moreover, it is also a food of choice in the prevention of certain cancers including digestive, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
Cuisiner les riz noir et rouge
As a side dish, in risotto, in salad, they go well with all your dishes. However, black and red wholegrain rice require a relatively long cooking time of about 40/45 minutes on average.
It is important to wash and rinse rice well before cooking in order to eliminate as much starch as possible, but also phytic acid, which is naturally present in grains and legumes. This molecule, when consumed in excess, is responsible for gastrointestinal disorders, malabsorption of nutrients, inflammation and fatigue.
Tip: in case of diarrhea, the cooking water can be drunk to relieve your discomfort. All the more reason to choose organic black and/or red rice.