Black Rice is unmilled rice, meaning the nutrient-rich black husk of the rice has not been removed. The grain is dark in colour because of the high level of nutrients that it contains, especially the health-promoting anthocyanin antioxidant. The anthocyanin of black rice is higher than even that of blueberries but with less sugar and more fibre and vitamin E antioxidants. This grain was so valued in ancient China that it was reserved only for the emperor and was known as a "forbidden rice" or "medicinal rice". The natural colour of black rice will dye foods added to it, such as coconut milk. This exotic variety has a rich, slightly sweet, strongly nutty flavour - making it very popular in native Asian desserts served with fresh fruit like mangoes and lychees or drizzled with fruit or rice syrup.
