The Purple Rice Revolution from Ralston Family Farms
What is Purple Rice?
One of the most exciting trends in the culinary world is the rise of anthocyanin-rich foods, celebrated not just for their vibrant colors but also for their numerous health benefits. Among these, purple rice, particularly a variety developed by USDA scientists and nurtured by Ralston Family Farms, is creating a stir-purple rice.
Unlike traditional white rice, which is stripped of its nutrient-rich bran layer during milling, this bran layer is brimming with essential nutrients such as vitamin E and fiber, usually lost when producing white rice.
Purple rice is unique because it contains substances like anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolics which demonstrate health boosting properites. These are types of antioxidants also found in many fruits and vegetables, making this type of rice even healthier than other varieties.
Among these, anthocyanins stand out because they help reduce inflammation and keep our arteries healthy. So, purple rice is not just different because of its color; it’s also a healthier choice, full of essential nutrients.
Ralston Family Farms, located in Atkins, Arkansas, is leading the way in growing this special type of rice. This family-run farm grows and mills the rice right on their land, so they can control every step of the process. They are committed to farming in a way that is good for the environment, which is a big part of the worldwide move towards more sustainable farming methods.
The story of purple rice is reminiscent of the historical significance of purple, or black, rice. In ancient China, black rice was reserved for the emperor and the royal court, leading to its nickname, “forbidden rice.” The rice is now known for its unique properties and health benefits.
Growing purple rice is a good example of how farming can help us eat healthier and be good for the environment. When we eat foods like purple rice, which is full of healthy substances called anthocyanins, we choose better nutrition and support farming methods that care for our planet. This is thanks to the work of groups like Ralston Family Farms that show us that we can eat well and take care of the environment simultaneously.
Brazilian Rice Recipe
I wanted to share the rice recipe for the Redbud Bistro and why we are in love with the purple rice from Ralston Family Farms.
The Brazilian style of cooking rice often involves a process of sautéing onions and sometimes garlic in butter or oil before adding rice to lightly toast it, followed by boiling it in water. This technique is also known as pilaf-style cooking. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup of purple rice
2 tablespoons of butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
2 cups of boiling water
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevent the rice from clumping together.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and garlic, if using) and sauté until the onion is translucent and softened.
Add the rinsed rice to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice with the butter and onions. Allow the rice to toast a bit until it starts to lightly brown. This step adds a depth of flavor to the final dish.
Add the hot water and salt. Stir everything once to distribute the salt and make sure the rice is submerged in the water.
Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, usually about 40-45 minutes.
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
This method of cooking results in flavorful rice that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a base for other ingredients.