Venere Rice: when Italian excellence meets Eastern excellence

VENERE RICE: A COMPLETELY ITALIAN CREATION

Venere rice is a variety of whole grain rice created in Italy, originating from Piedmont and produced from a rigorously Padanian seed and an Asian one.
Venere rice production began in Vercelli, a rice-growing area known worldwide, in 1997. The idea for this rice was born in the Research Center of the seed cooperative Sapise (Sardo Piemontese Sementi) by crossing a Padanian variety seed, which is very resistant, with an eastern black variety, rich in beneficial nutrients: the combination of these two world-class excellences in the field of rice allows for the creation of a unique and exclusive product.

The name Venere recalls Greek mythology and represents the goddess of love and fertility, created from a shell emerging from the sea waves. Choosing this name is not accidental but refers to the Chinese tradition, in which black rice was considered a forbidden rice, with extraordinary aphrodisiac qualities.
Unlike most typical Italian rices, this rice has a relatively young history. However, behind this ingenious product lies a long secular history and a continual quest for excellence that, dating back to the Middle Ages, saw the best rice artisans acquire the finest crossing techniques of different seed varieties. This tradition of craftsmanship has been passed down from generation to generation to this day.

Venere rice is an eastern rice variety with black colored grains. The first cultivation of black rice dates back to China in the late 19th century, and it was considered a rare product cultivated exclusively by select farmers, reserved for the Emperor's consumption. For this reason, black rice is also sometimes called the Emperor's rice.

This rice is thus 100% Made in Italy and is exclusively cultivated in Piedmont, in the provinces of Novara and Vercelli, and in Sardinia, specifically in Oristano. The producers strictly adhere to the Venere Rice Supply Chain: there are about 120 artisanal realities that exclusively cultivate this one-of-a-kind product.
Venere rice belongs to the Japonica class of the species Oryza Sativa, whose nutritional characteristics are unique and not found in any other rice varieties on the market.

VENERE RICE: UNIQUE PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

What is its main characteristic?
The feature that makes this product unique is undoubtedly its characteristic chromatic color: the grains are round and black, with a fragrance reminiscent of freshly baked bread with a slight hint of hazelnut. The typical dark coloration is made possible by the presence of polyphenolic molecules and anthocyanins, substances with antioxidant and antitumor properties. In particular, anthocyanins fight oxidative stress associated with cellular aging and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which are particularly harmful to our cardiovascular system.

Compared to refined rice varieties commonly found in stores, venere whole grain rice contains significantly more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its mineral content includes especially selenium, iron, calcium, zinc, and manganese, nutrients that improve our metabolism and help prevent aging.
As a whole grain variety, venere rice is rich in insoluble fiber, which helps regulate the proper metabolism of our intestines. Additionally, its low sugar level makes it an excellent food for combating diabetes and supporting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

VENERE RICE: COOKING AND RECIPES

Crunchy, nutrient-rich, and particularly flavorful: Venere rice is increasingly becoming the perfect alternative to traditional white rice.
Since Venere rice is a whole grain, it requires a longer cooking time than traditional rice. If you want to prepare a risotto with this variety of rice, the recommendation is not to toast it but, after cooking, to sauté it in a pan with extra virgin olive oil and your preferred seasoning for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the grains tend to remain crunchier than white rice.
However, it is particularly suitable for boiling and preparing hot or cold as the main ingredient in various dishes, from rice with legumes to the famous rice salad with vegetables of your choice.
Venere rice releases special aromas and can be paired with shrimp and zucchini to enhance its freshness and aromatic flavor, or with lightly toasted almond slices to highlight the elegant and refined taste of its grains. Our advice is to avoid pairing it with overly complex creams and sauces; it's better to use simple, homemade seasonings.

Venere rice salad is considered the best solution for a lunch to take to the office the next day or to enjoy while watching a TV series; its consistency and cooking hold make it a dish capable of maintaining flavor and beneficial properties even when consumed after a few days.
Our favorite recipes include Venere rice tower with seafood, an appealing risotto particularly suitable for special occasions and romantic dinners, and Venere rice and swordfish cups, a particularly impressive appetizer.

The Italian Black Venere Rice from controlled supply chain produced by Pila Vecia and the Venere Rice produced by Terre del Bosco follow the tradition, the result of a completely artisanal working technique, according to the methods used in the old rice mills of the Po Valley, and are part of the Controlled Venere Rice Supply Chain. Have you ever tried Venere rice with our Bio Delica Pumpkin? A labor-intensive dish with great visual impact and a soft, delicate taste!

Perfect for your most innovative and creative recipes, Venere rice, with its unique black color, does not go unnoticed and adds that touch of highlight your dish needs. Delicious when paired with peppers, chili, and cream cheese. Now that you know all its secrets, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen!