Black Rice (Hei Mi)™ — 400 g

Deep natural colour. Mild grain character. A versatile pantry staple for rice bowls, congee and everyday cooking.

Discover the distinctive character of Black Rice (Hei Mi / 黑米)—dark, slender rice grains with a naturally deep purple-black appearance and satisfying cooked texture.

Mild, grain-forward, earthy and subtly nutty, Black Rice offers more character and visual contrast than everyday White Rice while remaining approachable and versatile for home cooking.

With 400 g / 14.11 oz of Black Rice, this practical pantry size is designed for multiple meals—from simple rice bowls and comforting congee to mixed-grain dishes, porridges and appropriate traditional-inspired recipes.

Why You’ll Appreciate It

• 400 g / 14.11 oz — a practical everyday pantry size for multiple meals

• Naturally deep purple-black grains — visually distinctive from familiar White Rice

• Mild grain character — earthy, subtly nutty and approachable

• Tender cooked texture — satisfying when prepared according to the package directions

• Everyday versatility — suitable for rice bowls, congee, porridges and mixed-grain dishes

• Easy to combine — explore with compatible grains, beans and dried pantry ingredients

• Sweet or savoury possibilities — suitable for appropriate everyday meals and dessert recipes

• Approachable Chinese pantry staple — an easy way to explore grains beyond everyday White Rice

Product at a Glance

• Product: Black Rice (Hei Mi)™

• Chinese name: 黑米

• Pinyin: Hei Mi

• Also known as: Black Rice · Chinese Black Rice · Purple-Black Rice

• Form: Whole rice grains

• Net weight: 400 g / 14.11 oz

• Appearance: Deep purple-black, slender grains with a natural sheen

• Flavour: Mild · Grain-forward · Earthy · Subtly nutty

• Cooked character: Tender · Satisfying · Grain-forward

• Category: Rice / traditional Chinese pantry grain

• Preparation: Cook before eating according to package directions

• Best for: Rice bowls · Congee · Grain porridges · Mixed-grain dishes · Appropriate desserts

• Packaging: Pantry package

• Ideal for: Home cooks · Rice lovers · Grain enthusiasts · Chinese pantry exploration

• Rice type: Do not assume this product is glutinous or sticky rice unless specifically stated on the packaging

Natural grains may vary slightly in size, shape, colour and appearance.

What Is Black Rice / Hei Mi?

Black Rice / Hei Mi / 黑米 is a naturally dark-coloured rice with distinctive deep purple-black grains.

Before cooking, the slender grains have a naturally dark exterior and subtle sheen.

During cooking, the rice may develop deep purple, burgundy or very dark tones, creating striking visual contrast while retaining the familiar role of rice as an everyday pantry staple.

Black Rice fits naturally alongside:

White Rice · Brown Rice · Millet · Barley · Beans · Seeds · Other Traditional Grains

For someone interested in exploring Chinese pantry grains beyond conventional White Rice, Hei Mi provides a distinctive but approachable place to begin.

Black Rice is a grain and cooking ingredient. It is not a tea or botanical infusion ingredient.

What Does Hei Mi Mean?

Hei Mi / 黑米 means Black Rice.

In Chinese:

Hei / 黑 = Black

Mi / 米 = Rice

On this product page:

Black Rice · Hei Mi · 黑米 · Chinese Black Rice

all refer to the dark-coloured rice contained in this package.

The English name Black Rice remains the primary product identity, while Hei Mi / 黑米 provides the traditional Chinese ingredient name.

Taste & Character

Black Rice offers a distinctive but approachable grain experience.

Flavour Character:
Mild · Earthy · Subtly nutty · Grain-forward

Its flavour provides more character than a neutral grain base without becoming overpowering.

This allows Black Rice to work as both the foundation of an everyday meal and one component of a mixed-grain recipe.

The exact flavour and texture may vary according to the rice type, cooking method and ingredients used in the recipe.

What Does Black Rice Look Like?

Before cooking, Black Rice is recognizable by its:

• Deep purple-black exterior

• Slender grain shape

• Naturally smooth surface

• Subtle sheen

• Natural variation between individual grains

During cooking, the grains may develop:

Deep Purple · Burgundy · Very Dark Tones

Exact cooked colour may vary according to the rice and preparation method.

Natural variation is expected in a rice product.

How to Cook Black Rice

Black Rice must be properly cooked before eating.

Cooking requirements can vary according to the specific rice product, so always use the rice-to-water ratio, cooking method and cooking time provided on the packaging.

Basic Preparation

1. Measure the desired amount of Black Rice.

2. Rinse according to the package directions.

3. Add the recommended amount of water.

4. Cook using the method and time specified on the package.

5. Allow the grains to reach the desired tenderness according to the preparation instructions.

6. Serve warm or incorporate the cooked rice into your chosen recipe.

For the most reliable result, do not automatically substitute a generic Black Rice cooking ratio for the product-specific directions.

Does Black Rice Need to Be Soaked?

This product page does not specify a soaking requirement.

Some rice preparation methods may use soaking, while others may not.

For this specific Black Rice, follow the preparation instructions provided on the packaging rather than assuming soaking is required.

What Is the Water Ratio?

The appropriate rice-to-water ratio can vary according to the specific rice and cooking method.

Use the water ratio provided on the product packaging for the most reliable result.

This page intentionally does not provide a generic ratio because the product-specific cooking instructions should take priority.

Ways to Enjoy Black Rice

One of Black Rice's strongest advantages is its culinary versatility.

Black Rice Bowl

Serve properly cooked Black Rice as the grain foundation for an everyday meal.

Depending on the recipe, pair it with vegetables, tofu, meat or other suitable toppings.

Black Rice Congee

Use Black Rice in an appropriate congee preparation for a softer, warming grain dish.

Mixed-Grain Rice

Combine Black Rice with compatible rice or grains according to a recipe designed for the ingredients being used.

Black Rice Porridge

Explore Black Rice in a thicker grain preparation, either on its own or alongside compatible pantry ingredients.

Side Dishes

Cooked Black Rice can provide a visually distinctive grain component alongside an appropriate main dish.

Black Rice Desserts

Black Rice may also appear in appropriate sweet rice and dessert recipes.

One ingredient can therefore move from everyday rice bowls to comforting congee, mixed grains and traditional-inspired desserts.

Black Rice for Congee & Porridge

Black Rice can be particularly interesting for congee and grain-porridge preparations.

Depending on the recipe, it may be:

• Prepared on its own

• Combined with compatible rice

• Mixed with other grains

• Used alongside appropriate beans

• Combined with suitable dried pantry ingredients

Because congee and porridge ratios vary considerably according to the desired consistency, follow a recipe specifically designed for the preparation you want to make.

Do not assume that the water ratio for ordinary cooked rice should also be used for congee.

Black Rice vs. White Rice

Both are rice, but they provide noticeably different culinary experiences.

Black Rice

• Deep purple-black appearance

• Purple to very dark cooked colour

• Mild, earthy and subtly nutty

• More distinctive visual character

• More grain-forward experience

• Suitable for rice, congee, mixed grains and recipes

White Rice

• White to cream appearance

• Familiar white cooked colour

• Mild and relatively neutral

• Familiar everyday appearance

• Softer neutral grain base

Choose Black Rice when you want deeper natural colour and a more distinctive grain character.

Choose White Rice when you prefer a familiar, neutral rice foundation.

Black Rice vs. Black Glutinous Rice

Black Rice and Black Glutinous Rice should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.

Black Rice

• Broad description for dark-coloured rice

• Texture depends on the specific variety

• Cooking behaviour is product-specific

• Not automatically sticky or glutinous

Black Glutinous Rice

• Specific glutinous rice type

• Characteristically glutinous when properly cooked

• Has its own product-specific cooking requirements

• Should not automatically be substituted for other Black Rice

The term Black Rice can describe different dark-coloured rice varieties.

Black Glutinous Rice specifically refers to a glutinous or sticky rice type.

For this product, refer to the packaging to determine the exact rice type.

Is This Black Rice Sticky?

This product page does not specify that this Black Rice is a sticky or glutinous rice variety.

Do not assume that all Black Rice is sticky rice.

If a recipe specifically requires Black Glutinous Rice, check the product packaging before using this product as a substitute.

Best Ingredients to Pair with Black Rice

Depending on the recipe, Black Rice may be explored alongside:

Black Rice + Red Beans

A grain-and-bean combination for appropriate mixed-grain or porridge-style recipes.

Black Rice + Black Beans

Another way to explore contrasting grain and bean textures.

Black Rice + Millet

Millet can provide a different grain size and character in suitable mixed-grain preparations.

Black Rice + Barley

Barley introduces another grain texture for appropriate multi-grain recipes.

Black Rice + Red Jujube

Red Jujube may appear alongside Black Rice in suitable traditional-inspired porridge or grain recipes.

Black Rice + Goji Berries

Goji Berries may also be incorporated into appropriate Black Rice recipes where their dried-fruit character complements the grain preparation.

Different grains, beans and dried ingredients can require different cooking times and water ratios.

Always follow a recipe designed for the complete combination rather than assuming every ingredient cooks at the same rate.

A Versatile Addition to the Grain Pantry

Black Rice fits naturally alongside:

White Rice · Brown Rice · Millet · Barley · Beans · Seeds · Traditional Grains

Within a broader grain pantry:

White Rice → Familiar · Neutral · Everyday

Brown Rice → Distinct grain character

Black Rice → Deep colour · Mild earthiness · Culinary versatility

Millet → Small grain · Porridge & mixed-grain possibilities

Barley → Distinct texture · Grain-based recipes

Black Rice therefore fills a clear role:

A visually distinctive everyday grain for rice bowls, congee, mixed-grain meals and traditional-inspired cooking.

Storage & Care

Keep the package securely closed in a cool, dry place away from moisture, excessive humidity, direct sunlight, heat and strong odours.

Use clean, dry utensils when removing the rice.

Refer to the packaging for the best-before date and any additional storage or cooking instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Rice?

Black Rice is a naturally dark-coloured rice recognizable by its deep purple-black grains.

In Chinese, it is commonly called Hei Mi / 黑米.

What does Hei Mi mean?

Hei Mi / 黑米 means Black Rice.

Hei / 黑 means black, while Mi / 米 means rice.

How much is included?

This package contains 400 g / 14.11 oz of Black Rice.

Is this rice or a botanical tea ingredient?

It is rice.

Black Rice is a grain and cooking ingredient, not a tea or botanical infusion product.

Does Black Rice need to be cooked?

Yes. Black Rice should be properly cooked before eating according to the package directions.

Does Black Rice need to be soaked?

This product page does not specify a soaking requirement.

Follow the preparation directions on the packaging for this specific rice.

What is the water ratio for Black Rice?

Use the rice-to-water ratio provided on the packaging.

The correct ratio can vary according to the rice and cooking method, so this page does not assign a generic ratio.

What does Black Rice taste like?

Black Rice generally has a mild, grain-forward flavour with earthy and subtly nutty notes.

Exact flavour may vary according to the rice variety and preparation method.

What texture does cooked Black Rice have?

When properly cooked according to the product directions, Black Rice develops a tender, satisfying grain texture.

The exact texture may vary according to the rice type and cooking method.

What colour is Black Rice after cooking?

Depending on the rice and cooking method, the grains may develop deep purple, burgundy or very dark tones.

Can Black Rice be used for rice bowls?

Yes. Properly cooked Black Rice can be used as a grain base for appropriate rice-bowl meals.

Can Black Rice be used for congee?

Yes. Black Rice can be incorporated into appropriate congee recipes.

Because congee ratios vary considerably, follow a recipe designed for the desired consistency.

Can Black Rice be used for porridge?

Yes. Black Rice may be incorporated into appropriate grain-porridge preparations.

Can Black Rice be mixed with White Rice?

Yes. Black Rice can be used in appropriate mixed-rice recipes.

Because different rice types may have different cooking requirements, follow a recipe designed for the grains being combined.

Can Black Rice be mixed with other grains?

Yes. Appropriate recipes may combine Black Rice with compatible grains such as Millet or Barley.

Cooking times and water requirements may differ.

Is Black Rice the same as Black Glutinous Rice?

Not necessarily.

Black Rice is a broader description for dark-coloured rice varieties, while Black Glutinous Rice specifically refers to a glutinous or sticky rice type.

Refer to the product packaging for the exact rice identity.

Is this Black Rice glutinous?

This product page does not specify that the rice is glutinous.

Do not assume that it is Black Glutinous Rice unless the packaging explicitly identifies it that way.

Is this Black Rice sticky?

This product page does not specify that the rice is a sticky rice variety.

The exact cooked texture should be determined from the rice type and package preparation information.

Can Black Rice be used in desserts?

Yes. Black Rice can appear in appropriate sweet rice and dessert recipes.

Can Black Rice be paired with Red Beans?

Yes. Depending on the recipe, Black Rice and Red Beans may be used together in appropriate mixed-grain or porridge-style preparations.

Can Black Rice be paired with Red Jujube?

Yes. Red Jujube may appear alongside Black Rice in appropriate traditional-inspired grain or porridge recipes.

Can Black Rice be paired with Goji Berries?

Yes. Goji Berries may be incorporated into appropriate Black Rice recipes.

Is Black Rice suitable for beginners?

Yes. Anyone already familiar with cooking rice can begin exploring Black Rice by following the package-specific cooking directions.

A simple cooked-rice preparation is an easy place to begin before moving into congee and mixed-grain recipes.

Who is Black Rice best for?

Black Rice is particularly suited to home cooks, rice and grain enthusiasts, congee lovers, people exploring Chinese pantry staples and anyone looking for a visually distinctive alternative to everyday rice.

Bring a Deeper Grain Character Home

Dark purple-black grains. Mild, subtly nutty character. From everyday rice bowls to comforting congee.

Cook Black Rice as the grain base for a simple meal. Explore it in congee or porridge. Combine it with compatible grains, beans or dried pantry ingredients—or use it in an appropriate sweet rice preparation.

Choose Black Rice (Hei Mi)™ — 400 g and add to cart.

Bring Eastern Living Home.