Black Rice | Whole Grain

Sold in 14 oz., 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

Ingredients: Whole Grain Black Rice.

Ingredient Country of Origin: Canada.

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand and/or Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

Introducing Gerbs Canadian Black Whole Grain Rice

OVERVIEW OF GERBS BLACK WHOLE GRAIN RICE

Black Canadian rice, often referred to as Canadian wild rice, is a long-grain, nutrient-dense aquatic grass native to the shallow lakes of Ontario and Manitoba. Known for its dark black-brown color, nutty flavor, and slightly crunchy texture, it is a high-protein, gluten-free, and high-fiber food source.

Key Details About Black Canadian Rice:

Origin: It is Canada’s only native grain, hand-harvested from northern lakes in canoes.

Nutritional Value: It is rich in antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins, which are also found in blueberries. It is also high in lysine, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.

Preparation: It is often cooked by boiling for about 45 minutes until the grains are tender and the water is absorbed.

Flavor Profile: It has an earthy, smoky, and nutty taste.

Uses: It is commonly used in salads, soups, pilafs, and as a side dish.

HOW IS GERBS BLACK RICE GROWN AND CULTIVATED

Black rice is primarily cultivated through transplanting 25–30 day old seedlings into puddled, flooded fields, often in tropical climates, taking 3–4 months to mature. It requires consistent moisture, rich soil (clay or loam), and high labor for planting and harvesting. Key methods include traditional transplantation and modern techniques like the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) to increase yields of this low-tillering, nutrient-rich crop.

• Planting and Propagation: Seeds are either broadcast by hand or, more commonly, sown in nurseries and transplanted (15–20 cm spacing) into flooded fields (2–5 cm water level).
• Growing Conditions: It requires a hot, humid climate, often in river valleys or deltas, with strong, fertile soil.
• Water Management: The field must be kept continuously moist or flooded, with water reduced as the crop matures.
• Harvesting: The crop is ready in 3–4 months when stalks turn yellow, usually harvested by hand, dried in bundles, and then threshed.
• Processing: The grain is typically hulled but not polished to retain its bran layer, which contains the anthocyanin pigments responsible for its black color.
• Variations: While traditionally grown in lowlands, some methods involve SRI, which uses less water and wider spacing to boost the productivity of the “tillering-shy” plant.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS OF GERBS BLACK RICE

Black rice, often called “forbidden rice,” is a highly nutritious, gluten-free, whole-grain superfood packed with

antioxidants (especially anthocyanins), fiber, protein, and iron. Its deep purple color signifies high levels of disease-fighting compounds that promote heart health, improve eye health, aid digestion, and support weight management.

Nutritional Properties

• Antioxidants: Contains the highest anthocyanin content among rice varieties, protecting cells against oxidative stress.
• Protein and Fiber: Higher in protein (approx. 8.5g/100grams) and fiber than white or brown rice, aiding in muscle building and digestion.
• Minerals: A good source of iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin E, which supports skin, eye, and immune health.
• Nutrient Density: Contains 18 amino acids and essential antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin.

Key Health Benefits

• Heart Health: Anthocyanins help reduce plaque buildup in arteries and improve cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes Management: Low glycemic index aids in regulating blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity.
• Weight Management: The high fiber content promotes satiety and helps control appetite.
• Eye Health: Contains high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect eye cells from UV damage.
• Improved Digestion: Insoluble fiber aids in regulating bowel movements and reducing digestive discomfort.
• Detoxification: Contains properties that help the liver remove toxins from the body.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE BLACK RICE INTO YOUR DIET

To cook Canadian wild black rice, rinse 1 cup of rice, then combine it with 3–4 cups of water or broth and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 40–55 minutes until the grains split open and are tender. Let it sit covered for 10 minutes, then drain excess water and fluff.

Key Cooking Tips:

• Rinse Well: Always rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer to remove dust and starches, which prevents gumminess.
• Flavor Boost: Use chicken, vegetable, or mushroom broth instead of water for extra flavor.
• Texture: The rice should be slightly chewy when done.
• Steaming: Allowing the rice to sit with the lid on after cooking is essential for maximum fluffiness.

Incorporate wild black rice (forbidden rice) into your diet by swapping it for white or brown rice in meals, utilizing its nutty flavor and chewy texture in salads, grain bowls, stir-fries, or puddings. It acts as a nutrient-dense base for roasted vegetables, pairs with coconut milk for desserts, or can be mixed with white rice for a lighter texture.

Here are specific ways to incorporate wild black rice into your diet:

• As a Healthy Base: Use as a direct replacement for white rice in stir-fries, curries, or paired with grilled protein and roasted vegetables.
• Grain Salads & Bowls: Combine cooked black rice with fresh greens, cucumbers, radishes, or fruits like mango for a colorful salad. It is excellent in poke-style bowls.
• Breakfast Porridge: Simmer black rice with coconut milk, mango, or nuts for a nutritious, porridge-style breakfast.
• Soups & Stews: Add pre-cooked black rice to chicken, mushroom, or vegetable soups for extra texture.
• Baking & Desserts: Use black rice flour for gluten-free baking, or create traditional, sweet pudding-style dishes.
• Sushi & Wraps: Due to its sticky nature, it is ideal for making sushi rolls or wrapping in burritos.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!