Botanical Plate · 19th c. Scientific AtlasOryza sativa L. indica (Pigmented heirloom cultivar)
Ancient Grains & PulsesRare Terroir
Wild Black Forbidden Rice (Chak-hao / Emperor's Heritage Rice)
Native / Vernacular: [黑米 (Hēimǐ) / ꯆꯥꯛ-ꯍꯥꯑꯣ (Chak-hao Amubi)]
Oryza sativa L. indica (Pigmented heirloom cultivar)·Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Primary Geographic TerroirManipur Valley & Ancient Shaanxi Terraces, India
Flavor Profile & Aroma Notes
Deep Roasted NuttyToasted CocoaFloral TannicChewy Caviar-like Pop
"Roasted hazelnuts, dark cocoa nibs, sweet pandan leaf, wild violet blossoms, and warm cereal."
Vedic Ayurvedic Energetics
Rasa (Taste)Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Subtle bitter)
Virya (Energy)Shita (Cooling)
Vipaka (Post-Digest)Madhura (Sweet)
Prabhava (Special)Rasayana (Longevity rejuvenator) & Medhya (Neuroprotective blood purifier)
Ayurvedic classification based on Classical Samhitas (Charaka & Sushruta). Balances doshas when formulated in appropriate dietary proportions.
Bioactive Compounds & Health Benefits
- ✓Highest anthocyanin density of any cereal grain (higher per gram than fresh blueberries)
- ✓Rich in cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) clinically demonstrated to protect vascular endothelium
- ✓High dietary fiber and plant sterols that promote cardiometabolic wellness
Identified Active Phytochemicals:
Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G)Peonidin-3-O-glucosideGamma-OryzanolAnthocyanins
Kitchen & Chef Applications
- Cooked into decadent Manipuri 'Chak-hao Kheer' (royal purple pudding simmered with milk and cardamom)
- Steamed with thick coconut milk and ripe mango as imperial sticky rice desserts
- Arresting ink-purple base for pan-seared sea bass, diver scallops, and roasted duck breast
Artisanal Flavor Pairings
Coconut MilkGreen CardamomToasted CashewsRipe MangoPan-Seared Scallops
Harvest Season & Pantry Care
Harvest Window:Late Autumn (October to December)