Blog
Darlene Murphy
August 28, 2025
Ever heard of black rice being called ‘forbidden’? The term ‘forbidden rice’ comes from ancient China, where it was once reserved exclusively for emperors to ensure long life and vitality. While that exclusivity is long gone, what remains is a grain packed with powerful nutrition and bold color. Today, it’s mostly a name stuck for marketing purposes.
The deep purplish color is striking and stands out against the common white and brown rice. It has a powerful nutritional profile. It's rich in fiber, antioxidants, iron, and vitamins. Now you understand why the Chinese emperors loved it so much.
This blog is your go-to guide where we’ll break down the nutritional profile, the rich history associated with it, and how you can cook it at home, and of course, how modern meals use black rice.
When it comes to healthy eating, black rice is the standout grain you should look for. Here are the reasons why it stands out from the rest:
It's wonderful how this tiny grain holds wonders within. It's a powerhouse of nutrients.
These are just a few nutritional highlights, but there are many other health benefits, nutrients, and uses of black rice.
Black rice might look like the latest health trend, but it’s been part of Asian kitchens for centuries. In China, it was once reserved only for royalty because people believed it had powerful healing qualities, earning it the name forbidden rice. In places like Thailand and Indonesia, you’ll still find it in everyday cooking, whether in savory dishes or sweets like black rice pudding simmered with coconut milk.
Its deep color and rich texture have long symbolized luxury, wellness, and celebration across various cultures.
The color and texture of this forbidden rice make it a favorite among chefs and dietitians alike. While the chefs love it for plate decoration, it offers versatility in meals for varied dietary needs.
In terms of texture, when cooked, black rice is completely different from brown or white rice. It is slightly chewy and firm, unlike the softer, fluffier white rice and the nuttier, chewier texture of brown rice. Apart from these benefits, because we eat with our eyes too, black rice adds just the pop of color chefs love for presentation.
Do you think cooking black rice is complicated? Not at all. Here is how you can prepare mouthwatering recipes using this forbidden rice at home:
Avoid overcooking, as it makes the rice gummy and creates a mushy texture. You should always be mindful of underseasoning. This rice needs flavor in every bite. Don't skip the salt and consider adding these flavor boosters:
Pairing the forbidden rice with roasted veggies and fresh herbs makes the whole dish vibrant and nutritious. Grain bowls are one of the best ways to enjoy nutrients and flavor in each bite. It's a wholesome meal experience. Also, you can try plant-based dishes that shine in your dinner rotation.
Cooked extra black rice and not sure how to store it? Here are the storage tips:
Once you know the right method, storing and reheating black rice is simple.
Black rice isn’t just for savory meals; try it for breakfast as well. It's fun to use it in wraps and side salads. Interestingly, this black rice can also be used in dessert applications like pudding.
At Forage Kitchen, we think food should be good for people and good for the planet. That’s why the black rice in our bowls comes from Lundberg Family Farms in California. They’ve been growing rice for decades, and they do it in a way that actually gives back to the land instead of taking from it.
Instead of draining the soil, they focus on keeping it healthy. They save water, protect the fields, and even create space for wildlife to thrive. It’s farming that looks after today, but also ensures the land is strong for the future.
That’s something we really connect with at Forage Kitchen in Wisconsin. Our goal has always been to keep food simple, seasonal where possible, and grown with care. Partnering with growers like Lundberg lets us bring you ingredients that not only taste good but also do good.
Organic Black Pearl Rice is naturally rich and a little chewy, with a deep flavor that makes it the perfect base for our bowls. And when you know the story behind it, it tastes even better.
If you’re curious to try cooking with black rice yourself, Lundberg shares lots of recipes, from everyday bowls to desserts you might not expect.
Black rice is not a forbidden rice; its nutritional and culinary richness has made it a fan favorite. From grain bowls to desserts like pudding, black rice wins for its versatility. And the best part? You can easily cook it at home.
Want to try black rice in a chef-curated meal? Explore our seasonal grain bowls at Forage Kitchen and taste the ‘forbidden rice.’ Visit Forage Kitchen today!
Darlene is the co-owner of Forage and an expert in restaurant and food marketing, brand development, and public relations for small businesses. She specializes in creating compelling marketing materials, including ad copy, websites, and catalogs, to help brands connect with their audience.
