The Camargue, as some may already know, is a region in the south of France located in the area of Provence on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, a magical land blessed by nature where you can find large species of birds and other animals, there the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There, too, you can find native crops such as le riz rouge de la Camargue, known in Spanish as the red rice of the Camargue and to which we will give all the space in this post.
Camargue red rice
Its story begins in the Montmajour Abbey, where it is seen for the first time, by the farmers of the area, hidden among the traditional rice , it stood out for presenting something not seen until that moment, red ears. Camargue red rice is considered brown rice, different not only in appearance from traditional rice but also in its flavor and properties. Dishes made with this rice can feel this difference by providing it with a light nutty flavor. But? What different properties does it provide? Precisely that which gives it what makes it unique, its red color.
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Properties and benefits of Camargue rice
Presents anthocyanin
Let's start with the most important thing, the presence of anthocyanins, a pigment present in the peel of the cereal which gives it its red color, just like grapes or red onions and many other fruits and vegetables of this color. It is considered to be a member of the group of flavonoids with pharmacological and therapeutic properties that include:
- Reduction of coronary heart disease
- Antidiabetic effects and obesity controller
- Limiter of fat absorption after eating
- Inhibits antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects
- Improves vision
- Intervenes in cognitive behavior
- Acts as an antioxidant
- Could improve short-term memory
- Improves the immune system
Contains important vitamins and minerals
In addition, it contains vitamins A, B, D, E and F and is rich in minerals such as zinc and amino acids.
It is rich in insoluble fiber
It is recognized for its great contribution of fiber to the diet after preserving its bran after cooking, which allows it to stimulate intestinal peristalsis. There is nothing better than eating this rice to cleanse the digestive system and avoid constipation.
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Recommendations for cooking red rice
Red rice, being brown rice, has a different type of cooking than white rice. Here are some tricks for its preparation:
- Cook the rice for about 25 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking times we noted have been taken on a traditional gas stove and using a conventional pot.
- You should not wash it too much as you will remove the bran and weaken its red color.
- To make it softer, soak it in enough water before cooking it.
- Use the water in which you soaked it for cooking.
- The proportion of water for cooking is slightly higher, we recommend 3 cups of water for one cup of rice.
So you now know that it is no coincidence that Camargue red rice is one of the favorite foods of the Mediterranean diet. Take advantage of its benefits by incorporating it into your daily diet!
