Rice is a staple food for more than half the world’s population. Although it is usually white, there are many other colors and types of rice out there. Caryl Levine and Ken Lee have pioneered the introduction of heirloom red and black rice to the United States. Joining Corinna Bellizzi, they share how they are reshaping the way Americans see, think about, and consume rice, all while empowering smallholder farmers and promoting regenerative agriculture. Caryl and Ken also discuss how their efforts impact global food systems, cut methane emissions, and empower women in the field of agriculture.

About Guest:

Caryl Levine and Ken Lee are jointly co-founders of Lotus Foods, Inc., the successful organic and specialty rice company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Husband and wife, Ken and Caryl started Lotus Foods in 1993, pioneering the introduction of heirloom red and black rice to US markets, starting with Bhutanese Red Rice and a black rice they trademarked Forbidden Rice®. Together they have reshaped how Americans think about and eat rice.

Both are passionate about empowering women farmers, creating a more equitable food system and ensuring consumers have healthier rice options. Their work has received abundant recognition. The Specialty Foods Association honored Ken and Caryl each with a Leadership Award, for Citizenship and Vision, respectively. In 2017 Conscious Company Media selected Ken and Caryl to receive their first ever “Leadership for Global Impact Award,” recognizing leaders “using the power of business as a force for positive change.” In 2021 Caryl was among “Real Leaders 100 Women in Impact” which recognized 100 women who are” leading the way towards a brighter future.”

Guest LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryl-levine-a507897/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-lee-871882b/ 

Guest Website: https://www.lotusfoods.com

Guest Social: 

https://www.TikTok.com/@LotusFoods

https://www.Instagram.com/LotusFoods/

https://www.Facebook.com/LotusFoods

https://www.Pinterest.com/LotusFoods/

Additional Resources Mentioned:

Rice Is Life by Caryl Levine & Ken Lee

Show Notes: Raw audio

00:02:37 - Caryl Levine And Ken Lee Of Lotus Foods

00:10:06 - Understanding Regenerative Organic Certification

00:21:55 - Raising Rice The Right Way 

00:26:40 - The Feminization Of Agriculture

00:30:20 - Rice Varieties And Their Health Benefits

00:34:34 - Tips For Cooking Black, Red, And Brown Rice Easier

00:39:39 - Caryl And Ken’s Favorite Recipes

00:45:41 - Potential Policy Shifts For Regenerative Agriculture

00:49:20 - Balancing Premium Sourcing And Pricing

00:54:46 - Reconnecting To Food Culture

00:58:48 - Shop, Cook, And Eat In Line With Regeneration

01:01:47 - What’s Next For Lotus Foods

01:06:59 - Caryl And Ken’s Closing Words

01:09:09 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words 

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