Kenyalang Bajong Heirloom Purple Rice
Kenyalang Bajong Heirloom Purple Rice
Kenyalang Bajong Heirloom Purple Rice - Semi-Polished
A rare, GI-certified heirloom purple rice from the traditional paddy fields of Lubok Nibong, Betong, in Sarawak, Malaysia. Cultivated by the Iban (Dayak) community using rain-fed, single-crop farming passed down through generations. One harvest per year - no shortcuts, no mass production, just heritage grain grown the way it has been for centuries.
Why Kenyalang Bajong Is a Grain Like No Other
🟣 GI-Certified Heirloom Variety - Bajong is one of only three rice varieties in Sarawak awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status, the same legal protection system used for Champagne and Thai Hom Mali. Only rice grown in the designated region of Lubok Nibong, Betong can be called Bajong
🌾 Iban Heritage, Single Annual Crop - grown by the Iban (Dayak) tribe using traditional rain-fed cultivation. One season, one crop per year. Tall plants, deep roots, naturally irrigated by rainfall - the way rice was meant to grow
🤝 Fair Trade Initiative - Kenyalang's "Grains of Hope" program ensures your purchase directly supports indigenous farming communities in Sarawak. Ethical sourcing, fair prices for farmers
💜 Purple from Anthocyanins - the striking purple colour comes from anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidant compound found in blueberries. Semi-polished milling retains the nutrient-rich bran layer where the antioxidants live
🍚 Soft, Fluffy, Slightly Chewy - aromatic with a pleasant fragrance. Cooks to a tender, fluffy texture with a gentle chew and a subtle sweet, nutty taste. More character than white rice, less heavy than brown rice
📉 Naturally Low Glycemic Index (approximately 42) - supports blood sugar stability and sustained energy. A smart choice for those managing their sugar intake, per research published in [PMC/NIH](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11983904/)
💪 Rich in Protein, Iron, Potassium, and Magnesium - semi-polished milling preserves more minerals and nutrients than fully polished white rice
🌿 Pesticide-Free - traditionally cultivated without chemical pesticides, as noted on the [Lazada Singapore listing](https://www.lazada.sg/products/kenyalang-pesticide-free-heirloom-bajong-purple-1kg-i2935151237.html)
Perfect For...
👨👩👧👦 Health-Conscious Households: Mix a handful of Bajong purple rice into your daily white rice for a nutritional boost and a beautiful purple tint. The semi-polished grain retains more fiber and minerals than white rice, while the anthocyanin antioxidants support overall wellness. The 500g pack is perfect for trying it out, and the 1kg pack offers better value for regular use.
🥗 Clean Eaters and Wellness Communities: With a low GI of approximately 42, anthocyanin antioxidants, and a rich mineral profile, Bajong is a genuine whole-food supergrain. No processing tricks, no fortification - just naturally nutrient-dense heirloom rice.
🍵 Hakka Lei Cha and Vegetarian Cuisine: Bajong is traditionally used in Hakka thunder tea rice (lei cha) and vegetarian dishes. The nutty flavour and chewy texture complement the herbs and vegetables in these cuisines beautifully. Listed as an ideal use on the Kenyalang product specifications.
👵 TCM and Confinement Meals: Purple and black rice varieties are valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for nourishing properties. Bajong's warming, nutrient-dense profile makes it a thoughtful choice for confinement meals and wellness cooking.
👨🍳 Cafes and Modern Asian Kitchens: The dramatic purple colour and heritage story make Bajong a premium ingredient for grain bowls, salad bars, and modern Asian fusion menus. Customers pay more for a dish with a story - and Bajong has a genuine one.
About Bajong Rice
Bajong is an indigenous heirloom rice variety from Lubok Nibong in the Betong Division of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is traditionally cultivated by the Iban (Dayak) community using rain-fed farming - no irrigation systems, just natural rainfall. The rice plants grow tall with deep roots that draw nutrients from the mineral-rich Sarawak soil.
Bajong is a single-crop variety - one harvest per year. This slow growth cycle produces denser, more nutritious grains than multi-crop commercial rice. The semi-polished milling process removes the husk but retains part of the bran layer, preserving the purple anthocyanin pigments and the nutrients they carry.
Bajong is one of only three rice varieties in Sarawak to receive Geographical Indication (GI) certification from the Malaysian government, alongside Bario rice (from the Kelabit Highlands) and Biris rice (from Simunjan). GI certification legally protects the variety's origin and authenticity - the same international system used to protect Champagne, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Thai Hom Mali rice.
👩🍳 Cooking Tips
Bajong is semi-polished, so it cooks faster than brown rice but has more texture than white rice:
For standalone Bajong rice: Use 1.5 cups water to 1 cup rice. Rinse gently before cooking. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Let rest 10 minutes before fluffing.
For mixing with white rice: Add 2-3 tablespoons of Bajong per cup of white rice. Cook as you normally would - the Bajong will colour the white rice a beautiful pale purple.
For porridge: Use 4-5 cups water to 1 cup Bajong. Simmer gently for 40-45 minutes until creamy. Add a pandan leaf for extra fragrance.
Free islandwide delivery in Singapore for orders above $110. Order your Bajong purple rice today and taste a grain that tells the story of Sarawak's rainforests, rivers, and indigenous heritage.
Product Specifications
Brand: Kenyalang (Grains of Hope - Fair Trade Initiative)
Product: Bajong Heirloom Semi-Polished Purple Rice
Also known as: Beras Ungu Bajong, 紫米
Grain Type: Medium grain, semi-polished
Colour: Pale purple to deep purple
Texture: Fluffy and slightly chewy
Taste: Slightly sweet and nutty
Aroma: Pleasant, aromatic
Nutrients: Protein, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium
Glycemic Index: Approximately 42 (low)
Origin: Lubok Nibong, Betong Division, Sarawak, Malaysia
Tribe: Iban (Dayak)
Crop: Single annual harvest (One Season, One Crop)
Certification: GI (Geographical Indication) certified by Malaysian government
Pesticide-free: Yes
Available sizes: 1kg
Suitable for: Steamed rice, fried rice, porridge, mixed grain rice, Hakka lei cha, vegetarian dishes, Asian cuisine, grain bowls, salads