Venere Rice: when Italian excellence meets Eastern excellence

VENERE RICE: A WHOLLY ITALIAN CREATION
Venere rice is a variety of whole grain rice created in Italy, originating from Piedmont and produced from a strictly local seed and an Asian one. The production of Venere rice began in Vercelli, a world-famous rice-growing region, in 1997. The idea for this rice was born in the Research Center of the Sapise seed cooperative (Sardo Piemontese Sementi) by crossing a local variety, very resistant, with an oriental black variety, rich in beneficial nutrients. The union of these two global rice excellences results in a unique and exclusive product.

The name Venere refers to Greek mythology, representing the goddess of love and fertility, created from a seashell emerging from the sea waves. The choice of this name is not random but refers to the Chinese tradition, where black rice was considered forbidden rice with extraordinary aphrodisiac powers.
Unlike most typical Italian rice, Venere rice has a relatively recent history. However, behind this brilliant product lies a centuries-old tradition and a quest for excellence that, since the Middle Ages, has seen the best rice artisans mastering the techniques of crossing different seed varieties. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation to the present day.

Venere rice is a variety of oriental rice with black-colored grains. The first cultivation of black rice dates back to late 19th century China and was considered a rare product, grown exclusively by selected farmers and reserved for the Emperor's consumption. This is why black rice is sometimes called "Emperor's rice."

This rice is therefore 100% Made in Italy and is exclusively cultivated in Piedmont, in the provinces of Novara and Vercelli, and in Sardinia, in the province of Oristano. Producers strictly adhere to the Venere Rice Supply Chain: about 120 artisanal producers cultivate this unique product.
Venere rice belongs to the Japonica class of the Oryza Sativa species, whose nutritional characteristics are unique and found in no other rice variety on the market.

VENERE RICE: UNIQUE PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
What is its main characteristic?
The feature that makes this product unique is certainly its distinctive color: the grains are rounded and black, and the aroma recalls freshly baked bread with a slight hint of hazelnut. The typical dark color is due to the presence of polyphenolic molecules and anthocyanins, substances with antioxidant and anticancer properties. In particular, anthocyanins combat oxidative stress, associated with cellular aging and atherosclerotic plaque formation, which are particularly harmful to our cardiovascular system.

Compared to commonly refined rice varieties, Venere whole grain rice contains more fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Its mineral content mainly includes selenium, iron, calcium, zinc, and manganese, nutrients that improve metabolism and help prevent aging.
Being a whole grain variety, Venere rice is rich in insoluble fiber, useful for regulating the metabolism of our intestines. Moreover, its low sugar level makes it an excellent food for fighting diabetes and supporting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

VENERE RICE: COOKING AND RECIPES
Crunchy, rich in nutrients, and particularly tasty: Venere rice is increasingly becoming the perfect alternative to traditional white rice.
Venere rice, being a whole grain rice, requires a longer cooking time than traditional rice. If you want to prepare a risotto with this variety, the recommendation is not to toast it but, after cooking, 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, this rice is particularly suitable for being boiled and prepared hot or cold as the main ingredient in many dishes, from rice with legumes to the famous rice salad with vegetables to your liking.

Venere rice releases special aromas and can be paired with shrimp and zucchini to enhance its freshness and aromatic flavor, or with slightly toasted almond slivers to emphasize the elegant and refined taste of its grains. Our suggestion is to avoid overly complex sauces and creams and opt for simple, homemade seasonings.

Venere rice salad is also considered the best solution for a lunch to take to the office or to enjoy in front of a TV series, as its texture and cooking resilience make it an excellent food that retains its flavor and benefits even after a few days.
Our favorite recipes are Venere rice tower with seafood, an enticing risotto particularly suited to special occasions and romantic dinners, and Venere rice and swordfish cups, a particularly scenic appetizer.

The Italian Black Venere Rice with a controlled supply chain produced by Pila Vecia and Venere Rice produced by Terre del Bosco follow the traditional line, the result of a completely artisanal production technique, according to the method used in the ancient rice mills of the Po Valley, and they are part of the Controlled Supply Chain of Venere Rice. Have you ever tried Venere rice with our organic 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 particular black color, does not go unnoticed and gives your dish the touch of prominence it needs. Delicious when paired with peppers, chili, and cheese cream. Now that you know all its secrets, it's time to get creative in the kitchen!