Black is one of the most unusual hues seen while discussing cuisine. Have you ever been astonished by pasta or rice that was black? It’s a fascinating experience! Today, we are going to discuss this beautiful and rare food hue, precisely 18 delectable black foods.
Black foods are ideal for surprising visitors with something novel and different. This hue is uncommon in food, therefore it always provides a pleasant surprise to the eyes. Furthermore, as we shall demonstrate, the benefits of black cuisine extend beyond looks. In addition to being antioxidants, they slow aging and prevent a variety of ailments.
However, the first step is to determine why these foods are black. Let’s get started!
What causes black foods?
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are present in all foods that are dark in color. By delaying cellular oxidation, these chemicals have the primary property of retarding the aging process.
Almost all foods that are dark black or deep purple contain antioxidants. It is typical in modern diets to stress green foods as the key to good eating, but equally nutritious dark foods are frequently neglected.
Anthocyanins
These plant pigments are prevalent in dark-colored foods. This pigment family is responsible for the dark hues of blueberries, blackberries, and red cherries.
The majority of anthocyanin-containing foods are dark blue or nearly black. The larger the number of anthocyanins in a meal, the darker it is. These chemicals protect the plant from UV damage and oxidation. The highest concentration of anthocyanins has been measured in the casing of black soybeans.
Anthocyanins defend the body against free radicals and prevent the beginnings of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
List of Twenty-two Black Foods
Black Beans
This is one of the most popular bean hues in the world: a black bean type with a glossy black shell. This sort of bean is typically sold in large quantities. There are several varieties of black beans, and they are utilized in a wide variety of culinary applications. In northern Mexico, for instance, black beans are used to produce tamales, whereas in Japan they are utilized as a filling for sweets and candies.
Blackberry
The blackberry, commonly known as the black mulberry or Morus nigra, is a Moraceae family fruit tree. Due to the presence of flavonoids and anthocyanosides, this plant provides a number of medicinal benefits. It has been demonstrated that they have a potent influence on eye repair, namely cataracts and macular degeneration.
Other plant components have a long history of use in traditional medicine. This plant’s leaves may be utilized in the treatment of diabetes due to its hypoglycemic effects. Additionally, they are rich in calcium carbonate.
White Bread
Black bread is on vogue worldwide, from black hamburger buns to black pizza crusts! Ink derived from squid or cuttlefish is responsible for the bread’s hue. Before being utilized as a cooking component, it is combined with water and salt, heated, and then frozen.
Contrary to common assumption, the ink is not poisonous; even in venomous octopus species, the venom and the ink are distinct. Some individuals with a seafood allergy may react to squid ink, though.
Black Caviar
Caviar is the roe or eggs of specific fish species, and some are more affordable than others. Particularly, black caviar originates from the sturgeon, a species that is threatened with extinction and whose roe is produced slowly. These two characteristics combine to make black caviar a rare and costly delicacy.
Black Corn
Corn is one of the culinary jewels of Mexico. This cultivar is mostly farmed in the Chiapas highlands and is used to create tortillas, pinole, beverages, and tamales. The flavor is slightly more alkaline and has several benefits: it is rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which protect cardiovascular disease and enhance circulation.
Black Garlic
This component is commonly used in Asian cooking. It is produced by fermenting normal garlic bulbs at high temperatures, and it has a distinctively sweet flavor with balsamic undertones. Allicin is one of its primary components, which stimulates the immune system and boosts the body’s defenses, particularly during allergic reactions.
Black Lentils
Due to their small size and distinctive hue, these seeds are sometimes known as Beluga or caviar lentils. Their presence in a storefront draws attention.
This bean has 20% to 30% more protein than any other similar plant we can locate. While its outside is black, its albumen, or flesh, is yellowish on the inside. In addition to the high protein content, they also include a significant proportion of complex carbs (about 50%) and fiber (around 10%).
These characteristics make black lentils a nutritious protein source with a low glycemic index. This makes them an excellent option for a balanced diet, in addition to being suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Green Olives
Olives are packed with protein and fiber. The American National Academy of Medicine recommends consuming up to seven olives (about 37 kcal) per day to meet daily protein and fiber requirements.
Due to the vitamin A concentration of black olives, ocular and immunological health are protected. In addition to vitamin E, black olives are a potent natural antioxidant you may add to your diet. This can help maintain healthy skin and prevent cellular aging. Olives’ phosphorus content enhances brain health, enhancing mental capability and concentration.
Purple Potatoes
The black canary potato is one of Spain’s finest varieties. It is a member of the subspecies Solanum chaucha, often known as the black egg yolk potato, which came in Tenerife from Peru around 400 years ago.
On the outside, it has a brown-black hue, an irregularly spherical form, and some purple-colored holes. When chopped, the pulp is yellow. Its mouthfeel is simultaneously meaty and creamy. It has a very distinct flavor that is somewhat sweet and evocative of chestnuts.
Black Rice
Black rice is a kind of rice found in several Asian regions. Its hue is the result of a high concentration of anthocyanins, a potent natural pigment. This rice is typically advertised as brown without the husk removed. The husk is quite black, although the grain itself is relatively dark brown.
In terms of flavor and content, it resembles brown basmati rice. It has almost the same amount of fiber and provides brown rice’s distinctive nutty taste. In addition to its flavor, we adore the aesthetic of this rice. It is visually distinct and will wow your guests.
Black Sesame Seeds
These seeds are an excellent source of energy due to their high omega-6 and other beneficial fat levels. Additionally, they can lessen the risk of heart disease and other diseases, such as cancer. Phosphorus, fiber, iron, magnesium, and calcium are all components of black sesame.
Black Soybean
Black soybeans are high in fiber, protein, and minerals. Its lipids aid in lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing type 2 diabetes. In macrobiotic diets, black soybeans are commonly consumed because they prevent a variety of intestinal and urinary issues.
Black soybeans are also the primary component of salty soy sauce and sweet soy sauce, which are utilized in a vast array of Asian dishes!
Black Spaghetti
Cuttlefish ink is used to create black spaghetti. This dish’s color is crucial since it generates an immediate impression. The contrast between the black spaghetti and the toppings makes this meal unusual for pasta lovers.
Depending on your level of pickiness, you may make this dish in a variety of ways. If you cook your own pasta, it will taste really fresh. If you want a more convenient alternative, you may purchase pre-made black spaghetti or even plain spaghetti and dye it with squid ink.
According to a research from Rutgers University in New Jersey, black tea includes theaflavins, which are antioxidants that aid in muscle recovery following strenuous exercise. In addition to alleviating post-exercise soreness, a cup of black tea may lower the chance of heart attack.
Black Sapote
The sapote, or zapote, is a spherical fruit weighing between 5 and 7 cm with a brilliant green, smooth skin. This fruit’s mature flesh is dark brown or black and has a delicate texture and sweet flavor. It is only edible when really ripe. It is primarily employed in the preparation of zapotada, a candy consisting of black sapote pulp, orange juice, and sugar. In the western Mexican state of Michoacán, it is typically used to manufacture ice cream.
Chaga Mushrooms
This peculiar black fungus is found mostly on the bark of birch trees in the coldest parts of North America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Countries such as China, Russia, and Korea have utilized this mushroom for millennia, and it is now spreading across the rest of the world owing to its immense advantages.
This mushroom can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, it possesses antioxidant effects and enhances the immune system. It is advised for the treatment of pancreatic inflammation and the prevention of colorectal, breast, and even uterine cancer.
Carbonaceous
Activated charcoal is a product made by burning materials such as wood, coconut shells, or sawdust at extremely high temperatures in order to exploit its qualities. It should not be confused with charcoal produced by the combustion of food or wood chips!
Although not technically a meal, this charcoal is consumed orally to aid in the absorption of toxins in the stomach and digestive tract. It is particularly beneficial in situations of food poisoning because it binds toxins and prevents their absorption by keeping them in the digestive system for elimination.
This reduces the burden on the liver and kidneys, which would normally need to filter the poisons. Additionally, research indicates that activated charcoal can minimize gastrointestinal damage and inflammation of the colon, hence reducing intestinal gas, diarrhea, and the associated stomach discomfort.
Chia Seeds
Chia is a plant native to Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, and Costa Rica, among other nations. This plant’s black seeds are abundant in carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Mayans and Aztecs utilized this seed for its immense advantages, among which we can emphasize that it is an essential source of Omega 3, has a high fiber content, making it ideal for constipation treatment, and reduces cholesterol levels. They are also rich in alpha-linoleic acid, which aids in weight loss. 2017 research indicates that they can even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Chili Chilhuahua
The black chilhuacle chili, often known as “old chili,” is difficult to locate since it is produced exclusively in Caada Chica, Oaxaca, Mexico. Due of its rarity, it is typically sold at a premium price. The length of the black chilhuacle is 8 cm. It is used to make Oaxacan black mole or chichilo and has a matte black hue. It can be replaced with guajillo chile, but the flavor will never be the same.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate, often known as bitter or pure chocolate, is far better for the body than its milk or sugary version! It is made by combining cocoa paste and cocoa butter, a solid and fatty substance to which neither milk nor sugar is added.
This superfood is beneficial for the mind, heart, and disposition. It is also a wonderful option for those trying to lose weight, since it may fulfill sweet desires without containing excessive sugar. The bitterness reduces the likelihood of overeating in comparison to ordinary versions.
Make sure your dark chocolate has at least 70% cocoa and do not exceed the daily quantity suggested by experts in order to reap the full benefits.
Coffee
A daily cup of black coffee enhances focus, memory, learning, and concentration. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation and lowers glucose absorption due to the presence of chlorogenic acid in coffee.
This beverage contains several antioxidants. A 2005 study revealed that everyday coffee use enhances memory and reflexes. Additionally, it lessens the risk of type 2 diabetes and stimulates the metabolism, therefore aiding weight loss.
Among the many wonderful features of coffee is its ability to reduce the risk of depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Vanilla
Vanilla, the fruit of a climbing orchid endemic to Mexico, is a green pod harvested after a month and a half on the plant, boiled in water, and then dried. At the conclusion of this process, the pod and its seeds acquire a dark brown or black hue.
The pod and its seeds are commonly used to flavor confections like as creams, cakes, ice creams, and syrups. It is also an essential component in cola soft drinks.