Vietnamese Purple Rice: The Superfood You’ve Been Missing

Introduction

Purple rice, also known as black rice, forbidden rice, or emperor’s rice has been cultivated in Asia for thousands of years. Rich in nutrients and packed with health benefits, this grain is now gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. As people increasingly seek out nutritious and wholesome foods, purple rice is becoming a top choice for its impressive health advantages.

History and Origins

Purple rice, believed to have originated in China, was once reserved exclusively for emperors. It was thought to promote longevity and bring good fortune. Common people were forbidden from eating it, which is why it’s called ‘forbidden rice’ or ’emperor’s rice.’ Over time, this rice spread to other parts of Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It gradually became popular and is now a staple in many cultures.

Nutritional Benefits

1. Rich in Antioxidants

This rice has a deep purple or black color because its outer layer is rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These antioxidants help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity

2. Nutrient Profile

Protein: Purple rice is rich in protein, with 100 grams containing about 8.89 grams of protein. The protein in purple rice helps reduce muscle loss and strengthens bones.

Fiber: Purple rice is high in fiber, which promotes digestive health, aids in weight loss, lowers cholesterol and reduces blood pressure.

Iron: Purple rice is an excellent source of iron, an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Organic Purple Rice from Lo Gach Cu Farm in Hoi An, Vietnam

Lo Gach Cu Farm is a popular tourist spot just outside the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam. The farm is not only picturesque but also known for producing organic purple rice.

At Lo Gach Cu farm, farmers are passionate about organic agriculture and committed to producing high-quality crops while preserving the environment by safeguarding water sources and soil health. They cultivate purple rice, knowing its rich nutritional value and health benefits, which are gaining attention among consumers.

How do farmers at Lo Gach Cu Farm grow organic purple rice?

Purple rice typically takes around 120 days from planting to harvest using entirely organic methods, without any chemical inputs. Farmers at Lo Gach Cu Farm raise ducks in the rice fields to naturally control snails. They use vermicompost as an organic fertilizer. They also use a solution made from chili peppers to prevent diseases and control weeds.

Steps to grow purple rice at Lo Gach Cu farm

Prepare the rice field for planting: Preparing the land is crucial to get the rice field ready for planting. A well-prepared field prevents weeds, recycles nutrients, and provides soft soil for transplanting or seeding.

Seed sowing: Purple rice seeds are soaked in water until they start to sprout, after which farmers plant them in the fields.

Rice transplanting: After planting the rice seeds in the fields, it takes several days for them to grow into seedlings. To ensure even spacing and healthy growth of these rice seedlings, farmers perform a process called rice transplanting.

Image credit: BuiThanhLang

4-month wait: It takes about 4 months for purple rice to be ready for harvest.

Culinary Uses and Recipes

Some delicious dishes made with purple rice from Lo Gach Cu Farm:

Purple rice with mango and coconut milk.

This dish combines the sweet flavors of purple rice, mango, and coconut milk. Purple rice is cooked until soft, displaying its characteristic purple hue from anthocyanins, offering a rich and appealing taste. Fresh mango adds natural sweetness and a mild tangy flavor. Coconut milk enhances the dish with its creamy texture and sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of these ingredients in a delicious and nutritious meal.

Purple rice served with stir-fried pork

This dish combines tender purple rice with stir-fried pork and aromatic herbs. The pork is stir-fried with aromatic herbs imparting a delightful aroma and balance. This meal is not only delicious but also nutritious.

Purple rice yogurt

Purple rice smoothie

Mango purple rice smoothie, Purple rice milk…