Revolutionizing Rice With Caryl Levine & Ken Lee

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.comGuest Social: https://www.TikTok.com/@LotusFoodshttps://www.Instagram.com/LotusFoods/https://www.Facebook.com/LotusFoodshttps://www.Pinterest.com/LotusFoods/Additional Resources Mentioned:Rice Is Life by Caryl Levine & Ken LeeShow Notes: Raw audio00:02:37 - Caryl Levine And Ken Lee Of Lotus Foods00:10:06 - Understanding Regenerative Organic Certification00:21:55 - Raising Rice The Right Way 00:26:40 - The Feminization Of Agriculture00:30:20 - Rice Varieties And Their Health Benefits00:34:34 - Tips For Cooking Black, Red, And Brown Rice Easier00:39:39 - Caryl And Ken’s Favorite Recipes00:45:41 - Potential Policy Shifts For Regenerative Agriculture00:49:20 - Balancing Premium Sourcing And Pricing00:54:46 - Reconnecting To Food Culture00:58:48 - Shop, Cook, And Eat In Line With Regeneration01:01:47 - What’s Next For Lotus Foods01:06:59 - Caryl And Ken’s Closing Words01:09:09 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE:🌴 Subscribe to our newsletter, and we’ll plant a tree in your honor!🌲 Subscribe and rate us wherever you listen, and we’ll plant another tree Follow us on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@circleb.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

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Care More Be Better, invites you to care more so we can create a better world together. We amplify the voices of environmentalists, activists, scientists, and leading experts who seek to make the world a better place. We share actionable insights and tools so you can make a measurable difference each day. Over the course of more than 230 episodes, you'll hear from inspired individuals, ecologically responsible entrepreneurs, and conscious companies from diverse communities and backgrounds. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, on our website, and on most major podcast platforms.Notable guests include: Jean-Michel Cousteau, Paul Hawken, Nina Simons, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Captain Liz Clark, Nana Aba Anamoah, Dr. William Li, Miyoko Schinner, John Roulac, Chef Babette Davis, Kelly Reyerson (@glyphosategirl), Starhawk, Donna Grantis and many more. These global change agents and activists create positive impacts and encourage us to think globally while also acting locally. Inspired by Paul Hawken’s aspirational book Regeneration - Ending The Climate Crisis In One Generation, and the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols' Blue Mind Movement, this show aims to create a realistic roadmap to build a better future. As Paul Hawken simply states: “Global warming is not a science problem. It’s a human problem.” On this journey, you'll become the person you aspire to be by remaining curious, thinking deeply, and listening intently while looking inward. You'll discover your internal wisdom and learn to listen to your inner voice to receive the gifts nature provides fully. Tune in to understand the most important issues that affect us all.Hear experiences from the front lines of social policies and political struggles.Feel enlightened by conversations about health, wellness, and mindfulness.Discover valuable entrepreneurship and business strategies. Hone your communication and leadership skills.Become part of the regeneration nation by expanding your knowledge of agriculture, social systems, and help us build a more circular and just economy. As a community, we aim to evolve our understanding of social impact, sustainability, and regenerative, circular living to create a healthier and more just world. The stories we tell will get you thinking about how to secure the future for the human race and all Earth's inhabitants - from how you can build positive change in your local community, to how you might broaden your reach and impact globally.About Our Host: A natural products industry executive, Corinna Bellizzi helped develop and grow several responsible, sustainable nutrition brands including: Nordic Naturals and ORLO Nutrition. With these achievements and experience, Corinna went back to school to earn her MBA, graduating at the top of her class at Santa Clara University, and is now pursuing her PhD at the intersection of Sustainability, Education and Nutrition at Prescott College. Her colorful career and exceptional experiences fill this show with life-changing conversations and insights you're sure to benefit from. Beyond elevating business ventures and earning massive profits, she exemplifies how to deliver genuine value, achieve bigger things, and pursue significant positive change. Care More Be Better is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, our website and most major podcast platforms. JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE! https://caremorebebetter.com When you join our email list, we plant a tree with the help of ForestPlanet! Remember, our aim with Care More Be Better is to help you use less, waste less, and live more! Engage with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!