Chakhao poireiton - the black rice of Manipur

Black rice (also known as "purple rice" or "forbidden rice") is a kind of sticky rice which is one of several black colored heirloom plants producing rice variants such as Indonesian black rice and Thai jasmine black rice or Manipuri Chak-hao.

The black  aromatic rices (Chak-hao amubi ) of Manipur have their importance as a glutinous or sticky rice and are used for the community feast as well as ceremonial purposes as delicacy. Chak means rice and ahaoba means delicious, therefore, Chak-hao means delicious rice. Typically a kheer is made from the black rice on festive occasions in Manipur.

Black rice is typically sold as un-milled rice, meaning the fiber-rich black husks of the rice are not removed. The unusual colour makes black rice very popular for its high nutritional value as an added benefit. Black rice is superb with fresh fruit such as mangoes and lychees, especially when drizzled with a fruit or rice syrup.

Manipuri farmers grow about 20 or more varieties of black rice and chakhao poireiton is the best variety amongst them. It is a deep black color and turns deep purple when cooked. Its dark purple color is primarily due to its high anthocyanin contents. It has a relatively high mineral content (including iron) and, like most rice, supplies several important amino acids.

Medicinal value of black rice

Black rice has helped several  sick and convalescing patients to recover their health. Although no proper, scientific documentation is available, anecdotal evidence regarding the benefits of black rice is prevalent all over the northeast.

In one case, an Assamese lady suffering from fourth stage breast cancer was able to make a swift recovery within ten months, after taking small amounts of black rice daily in her diet. Although she also underwent chemotherapy and took ayurvedic medicine, it was the black rice that proved to be the gamechanger for her. Today she is back to her normal routine and continues to take black rice. Black rice can be considered to be a cancer fighting "superfood".

It is to be noted that if taken for medicinal purposes, a person needs to take small quantities - about 20 grams of black rice each day. This translates to about half a katori of cooked rice.

For patients convalescing after an attack of viral, dengue, chikungunya fever or plain influenza, black rice is a godsend.  It helps them recover their strength quickly and be up on their feet again. The same is the case with post-partum women who need to regain their strength after their delivery.

Because of its dark color, black rice bran contains anthocyanin antioxidants.  Found in dark blue, red and purple foods, anthocyanin antioxidants show promise for fighting heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.  Black rice is often referred to as "purple rice," since when it's soaked or cooked it changes from black to a deep purple or burgundy color.

Anthocyanins provide the dark colours of many fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and red peppers. They are what makes black rice 'black'. Research suggests that the dark plant antioxidants, which mop up harmful molecules, can help protect arteries and prevent the DNA damage that leads to cancer.

According to food scientist Dr Zhimin Xu  at Louisiana State Univeristy, just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar, and more fibre and vitamin E antioxidants.

Like brown rice, black rice has similar nutrient levels and higher amounts of antioxidants. It is also a source of fiber and minerals, including iron. A 100 gram serving of black rice has 8.5 grams of protein, 3.5 milligrams of iron and 4.9 grams of fiber. Compared to white, brown and red rices, black rice has the highest amount of protein and double the fiber of brown rice.

Black rice is harder than white rice and needs to be soaked for a few hours or overnight before being cooked. By using a pressure cooker to cook the soaked black rice, one can save both time and fuel. One can also use an electric rice cooker to cook black rice.