Black rice

Black rice is sometimes called purple rice as the dark grains turn to a gorgeous deep aubergine colour when cooked. The ancient grain has impressive health benefits due to its high antioxidant content (the same inky pigment present in blueberries and blackcurrants) as well as iron and fibre. There are both regular and sticky black rice grains. In the Majapahit Empire of the thirteenth century it was grown in limited quantities and reserved for the highest elite. Today everyone can enjoy it and a favourite dish is Black rice pudding with salted coconut cream.