Wild Rice

With an enticing blend of smoky and nutty flavors, wild rice has long been a favorite. Wild rice offers a unique taste and texture to meals.

Description of Wild Rice

Wild rice is the only grain native to North America. Its botanical name is Zizania Aquatica. It is not actually a rice in true sense of the word; it is a seed from an Aquatic Grass. It was traditionally grown wild in the lakes of northern United States and southern Canada. It is still grown this way in Minnesota and other northern areas. Indians harvested the rice in canoes, and then parched the grains. Much of the wild rice from Minnesota is still harvested and parched with methods similar to the past. Wild rice from lakes are the best choice as they are far superior than cultivated wild rice. Although, cultivated paddies provide excellent breeding ground for waterfowl and other wildlife. In California today, wild rice is mechanically farmed and harvested and then parboiled using modern methods. Wild Rice is very dark brown to black in color.

Usage of Wild Rice

• A flavorful, nutritious and natural food, it satisfies the most demanding palate.
• It is wonderfully smoky, has a nutty flavor and chewy in texture. Gives a gourmet quality to a meal. Can be used in Side dish , Casseroles, Minnesota hot dishes, Salads and Stuffing .
• Wild Rice was important to the survival of many tribes in the upper Midwest. The harsh winters of Minnesota made hunting and fishing difficult and Wild Rice was often the subsistence food for entire tribes.
• Wild Rice and Wild Mushrooms are also a great combination in soups or pilaf. Cooked with Cranberries, Wild Rice makes a great side dish.
• Wild rice offers an exciting culinary trend. Wild rice is the perfect compliment to specialty foods, gourmet foods and vegetarian foods.
• Innovative chefs already know that wild rice is more than just an exciting healthy food to add to side dishes and are tossing it into all their healthy recipes, such as salads and soups, pancakes and muffins, stir fries and even desserts.
• Wild rice is high in protein.
• It is a good source of a number of nutrients such as copper, fiber, folate, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, vitamin B6 and zinc.