Eating rice is more enjoyable when it is not just your taste buds that are being stimulated. Rice that looks as good as it tastes can also do wonders to your dining experience.
In these terms, black pearl rice is a leading contender. If you’ve never heard of black pearl rice, you might be wondering what black pearl rice is. I looked into it, and here’s what I found!
What Is Black Pearl Rice?
Black pearl rice is organic black rice that resembles black rice pearls, which are authentic pearls that are shaped like rice grains, hence its name. Apart from black pearl rice’s appearance, black pearl rice is essentially the same as other types of black rice. Some of the brands that sell black pearl rice are Lundberg’s, Lohas, and Annie Chun’s.
In case you’re interested to learn more about the traits of black pearl rice and how black pearl rice differs from other rice variants, keep reading!
Where Is Black Pearl Rice From?
Black pearl rice comes from different countries depending on where manufacturers that sell black pearl rice are situated.
Since black pearl rice is essentially just organic black rice, it’s reasonable to assume that black pearl rice is cultivated mainly in China, India, and Japan as well.
Where Is Lundberg Black Pearl Rice Grown?
Lundberg Black Pearl Rice is grown in Richvale, California, which is around seventy miles north of Sacramento, where the Lundberg Family Farms grows other rice variants too.
What Does Black Pearl Rice Taste Like?
Black pearl rice has no distinguishable flavor from other types of black rice. Generally, black pearl rice tastes nutty and has a roasted flavor that is similar to brown rice.
Additionally, black pearl rice is chewy. Depending on the type of grain you buy, black pearl rice can be a little drier or stickier than usual.
What Does Black Pearl Rice Look Like?
Black pearl rice has a deep black color and a smooth, shiny surface that is reminiscent of black rice pearls, which is a type of freshwater pearl.
Interestingly, black rice pearls got their name because black rice pearls are shaped like rice grains, and black pearl rice likely got its name from black rice pearls.
Is Black Pearl Rice The Same As Black Rice?
Black pearl rice is a type of black rice and is mostly sold as organic.
While black pearl rice appears smoother and more polished than regular black rice, black pearl rice and regular black rice share the same aroma, taste, and nutritional value.
Is Black Pearl Rice Sticky Rice?
There is sticky black pearl rice, but most black pearl rice is medium-grain rice.
Is Black Pearl Rice Long Grain?
Just like other types of rice, black pearl rice may come as long-grain, medium-grain, or short-grain.
Is Black Pearl Rice Gluten-Free?
Unless contaminated or treated with gluten-containing products, black pearl rice is naturally gluten-free just like other types of rice.
Is Black Pearl Rice Real Rice?
Black pearl rice is real rice. While black pearl rice may look more polished than other types of black rice, black pearl rice is cultivated and prepared the same way as other types of rice.
Is Black Pearl Rice The Same As Forbidden Rice?
Essentially, black pearl rice is the same as regular black rice. Consequently, black pearl rice can be called forbidden rice as well.
Is Black Pearl Rice The Same As Wild Rice?
Black pearl rice may share similarities with wild rice, but they are two distinct types of seeds. Additionally, wild rice is not technically rice, but the seed of semi-aquatic grass.
Moreover, wild rice has more in common with white and brown rice than black pearl rice in terms of appearance, taste, and nutrition.
While some wild rice appears black, they are a deep shade of brown whereas black pearl rice is a deep shade of purple.
What Is The Difference Between Black Rice And Black Pearl Rice?
There are no significant differences between black rice and black pearl rice. Mainly, what sets black pearl rice apart is its pearl-like shape and texture when raw.
How To Cook Black Pearl Rice In Instant Pot?
To cook black pearl rice in an instant pot, start by rinsing the black pearl thoroughly using a mesh sieve. Make sure to drain the black pearl rice well to avoid a mushy output.
After draining, put the black pearl rice in the stainless steel insert of your instant pot and add one cup of water per cup of black pearl rice.
Put down the lid, move the valve to ‘sealing’, and set the instant pot to ‘high’. Let the rice cook for seventeen minutes and let the instant pot release on its own.
Finally, quick-release the remainder of the pressure in the instant pot and open the lid. Fluff the black pearl rice and transfer it to a serving bowl or platter.
How To Cook Black Pearl Rice In Rice Cooker?
Cooking black pearl rice in a rice cooker is similar to cooking black pearl rice in an instant pot, except you have to use a different water ratio.
After rinsing the black pearl rice, put the black pearl rice in the metal insert of the rice cooker and use 1 ¾ cup of water or stock per cup of black pearl rice.
Set the rice cooker to brown rice setting if available. Otherwise, set the timer for forty-five to fifty minutes, or just press the button that will start the cooking process.
Once the rice cooker indicates that the black pearl rice is cooked, let the black pearl rice rest for ten minutes and then fluff before serving.
Have a look at our related articles to learn what forbidden rice is, what Baldo rice is, and what vermicelli rice is.
Conclusion
Black pearl rice is a type of black rice that has the appearance of freshwater black rice pearl.
Despite its fancy name, however, black pearl rice can be prepared the same way as any regular black rice.
Moreover, black pearl rice has the same roasted, earthy smell as other types of black rice.