Black rice, also called ‘forbidden rice’ or ‘emperor's rice,’ is gaining popularity for its high antioxidant content and superior nutritional value. ‘Forbidden rice’ earned its name because it was once reserved for the upper class.

Black rice is a medium-grain, non-glutinous heirloom rice with a deep purple hue and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. This whole-grain rice is rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidant pigments that give the rice its unusual color. Relative to other rice varieties, forbidden rice is high in protein and iron.