Black is Beautiful – Even in Food

While the color black is often associated with negative connotations, including in Chinese culture, in the realm of food, it signifies superior nutrition. In recent years, black foods have gained attention in the Chinese health food market. These foods, naturally rich in melanin, display a dark, deep purple, or dark brown color. Examples include black goji berries, black rice, black sesame seeds, black fungus, mushrooms, seaweed, kelp, and laver. Some of these foods have a dark exterior, while others are dark inside or at the ends. It's important to note that manufactured black foods, such as plum sauce, bean curd, soy sauce, and cured eggs, are created to appeal visually and do not qualify as true black foods.

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Khamphoy Vannasane, Deputy Governor of Phongsaly Province, Laos visits GDAAS

The definition of what qualifies as black food isn't rigidly established. The Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Biotechnology, one of the first domestic research institutes focused on black food, describes it as having a naturally dark color, being rich in nutrients, and being structurally suitable for human consumption. This definition excludes artificially blackened foods like soy sauce.

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Black Rice (forbidden Rice)

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), black foods are beneficial for nourishing the kidneys. They are rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent certain cancers and slow down aging. They also support brain function and help lower blood pressure. The cultural association in China of shiny black hair with physical health further enhances the positive perception of black foods.

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Our Black Products