Black Rice SEEDS – Heirloom & Untreated – Forbidden Rice – Perennial Rice – Oryza Sativa
Biosecurity restriction (NSW): Due to rice biosecurity zones, these seeds cannot be sent to most of the Murrumbidgee and Murray River regions in NSW. Please check this link here for more info. Do not order if you live within the designated biosecurity zone.
Grow your own superfood from seed with these untreated, heirloom Black Rice seeds (Oryza sativa), also known as Forbidden Rice. In ancient China, this deep‑purple grain was reserved exclusively for the upper class – hence its legendary name. Today, you can cultivate this beautiful, productive plant right in your own garden, whether you have a sunny backyard bed or a large pot on a balcony.
Black Rice is a fast‑growing grass that can be grown as a perennial in warmer parts of Australia (QLD, northern NSW, NT) or as an annual in cooler regions (VIC, SA, southern NSW). It does not need to sit in water like traditional paddy rice – it thrives in consistently moist, well‑drained soil. Even if you never harvest the grain, the plants themselves are strikingly ornamental, with slender green leaves that turn deep burgundy‑purple as the seed heads mature.
Uses:
Culinary Grain: Harvest, thresh, and hull your own black rice. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a slightly chewy texture, perfect for rice bowls, stir‑fries, sushi, rice puddings, and side dishes.
Whole Grain Nutrition: Unlike white rice, black rice retains its bran layer, making it a nutrient‑dense whole grain.
Natural Food Colour: The deep purple‑black pigment (anthocyanins) leaches into cooking water, naturally tinting dishes a beautiful purple colour.
Ornamental Grass: Even without harvesting, the tall, graceful stalks and dramatic dark seed heads make a stunning addition to any edible landscape or container garden.
Nutrients & Health Benefits:
Black Rice is widely regarded as a superfood, offering a range of health benefits beyond ordinary white or brown rice.
High in Anthocyanins: The same antioxidants found in blueberries and blackberries. These compounds help reduce inflammation, protect cells from oxidative stress, and support heart health.
Rich in Fibre: Promotes healthy digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer.
Plant Protein: Contains more protein than brown or white rice, making it a valuable addition to plant‑based diets.
Iron & Minerals: A good source of iron, which supports healthy blood and energy levels, as well as magnesium and phosphorus.
Slow‑Release Carbohydrates: Provides steady energy without sharp spikes in blood sugar, making it a favourable choice for sustained energy.
Note: Always do your own research before using any plant medicinally or making significant dietary changes. The information provided is for educational purposes only.
Growing & Sowing Tips:
Rice is surprisingly easy to grow from seed. Follow these steps for success.
Prepare seeds (optional but helpful): Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
Start in trays or direct sow: Sow seeds about 1–2 cm deep in good quality seed‑raising mix, or directly into a well‑prepared garden bed.
Temperature: Germination is best in warm conditions (20–30°C). Seeds typically sprout within 7–14 days.
Sun & position: Requires full sun – at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong growth and good grain production.
Soil & water: Prefers rich, well‑draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Rice does not need to sit in standing water.
Transplanting: If started in trays, transplant seedlings when they are about 10–15 cm tall. Space plants about 20–30 cm apart.
Climate: Perennial in tropical and subtropical regions (QLD, NT, northern NSW). In cooler temperate areas (VIC, SA, southern NSW), grow as a summer annual. It does not tolerate frost.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Too much nitrogen produces lots of leaves but fewer grains.
Container growing: Grows beautifully in large pots at least 30–40 cm deep. Use a quality potting mix with added compost. Place the pot in a sunny spot and water regularly.
Harvesting, Processing & Storing:
Harvesting: Your black rice is ready to harvest when the grains turn deep purple‑black or golden brown and the stalks have begun to brown. This usually takes between 100 and 120 days from planting. Use sharp pruners or scissors to cut the stalks near the base and gather them into small bundles.
Drying (Air Method): Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, well‑ventilated area (a shed, garage, or covered porch works well) for 2–3 weeks. This slow, gentle drying is important for the best quality grain.
Oven or Dehydrator Method: If you have a small harvest and want to speed things up, you can dry the grains more quickly. Spread the rice grains on a baking tray and place them in an oven (fan‑forced if available) or a food dehydrator for 1–2 hours at 70°C. The grains are ready when they feel hard and dry.
Threshing: Once your bundles are completely dry, you need to separate the grains from the stalks. Do this by gently beating the bunches against the inside of a clean bucket or by rubbing the seed heads between your palms over a large bowl.
Winnowing: After threshing, you will have a mix of grains and lighter chaff (husks and debris). Remove the chaff by gently tossing the mixture in front of a fan or on a breezy day. The lighter chaff blows away, leaving the heavier, clean grains behind.
Storing: The grains you now have are “rough rice” – they are still encased in their inedible hull. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, where they will keep for many months.
Hulling & Eating: When you are ready to cook your rice, you need to remove the tough outer hull. You can do this by hand‑cracking the grains (using a small home mill, a mortar and pestle, or even rolling a glass jar over them on a hard surface). Once hulled, the dark purple grain is exposed. Rinse and cook like regular rice.
Seed Details:
Price: For 8 seeds, naturally grown in my permaculture food forest in Pacific Haven, QLD Australia.
Quality: Untreated, heirloom, open‑pollinated.
Shipping & Important Notes:
Sending to: QLD, NSW, SA, and Victoria only (within Australia).
Biosecurity restriction (NSW): Due to rice biosecurity zones, these seeds cannot be sent to most of the Murrumbidgee and Murray River regions in NSW. Please check this link here for more info. Do not order if you live within the designated biosecurity zone.
Pickup: Available by appointment from Pacific Haven, QLD.
Please Note: Do your own research before trying any new foods. Also refer to our full disclaimer in the footer of this page.
