Five Grains · China, Jiangsu tradition
Purple Rice & Peanut
Calming · Nourishing · Antioxidant
During my eleven years in China, this was the drink I saw poured into a thermos before school runs and long commutes. Black rice — 紫米 — is prized for its deep antioxidant content, and paired with peanuts and jujube, it becomes a naturally sweet, gently warming morning meal in a cup.
It is one of the first plant milks I learned to brew, and still one I make often. The color alone is worth waking up for.
Ingredients
Makes about 2 servings
- Purple (black) rice25 g
- Red-skin peanuts20 g
- Walnuts20 g
- Rolled oats15 g
- Jujube (red dates), pitted2 pcs
- Water800 ml
How to brew
- 1
Soak the purple rice and peanuts for at least 2 hours.
- 2
Pit the jujube dates — leaving pits in creates a bitter, gritty texture.
- 3
Add everything to a plant-milk machine and select the soy-milk program.
- 4
Blend until smooth and steaming, about 25 minutes.
Benefits
Rich in anthocyanins
Purple rice contains anthocyanins with roughly 20x the antioxidant activity of vitamin C — supporting skin and cardiovascular health.
Brain-nourishing fats
Walnuts and peanuts together provide omega-3s and phospholipids that support memory and mental clarity.
Warming to the blood
In Chinese tradition, jujube and purple rice are considered blood-nourishing — especially supportive for cold hands and low energy.
Best for
- Students, screen-heavy workdays
- People who feel cold easily
- Anyone recovering from long, tiring weeks
Tips
- Break the walnut halves into smaller pieces before blending for a smoother finish.
- Add a splash of oat milk at the end for extra creaminess.
