What is Wild Rice and How to Cook Wild Rice Answered in Wild Rice Recipes What is Wild Rice and How to Cook Wild Rice Answered in Wild Rice Recipes

What is wild rice?

Also known as water oats and Indian rice, wild rice is a grass containing grains which can be harvested and consumed. Growing best in shallow lakes or slow-moving streams, wild rice can be recognized by its flowering tops which are visible above the water. In addition to humans, aquatic animals eat wild rice such as ducks and marsh birds.

Due to its excellent health benefits, wild rice is increasingly becoming popular as a food staple in the United States and is being widely cultivated to satisfy the growing demand. Principally grown in Minnesota and California, where it is the state grain, wild rice is grown in paddy fields much like the ancient Asians raised this grain.

What is Wild Rice Nutrition?

Rich in protein, wild rice also contains beneficial amino acids and dietary fiber. It is also gluten-free, low in fat and contributes potassium, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin to one's diet. The only issue with wild rice is its ability to become infected by ergot, an extremely toxic fungal disease which can be fatal if consumed. Wild rice grains which are poisoned by ergot will appear pinkish or purplish and be larger than normal. Ergot infection is the reason the U.S. prohibits importation of wild rice from other countries.

Similar to other whole grains, wild rice is winnowed first in order to divide the chaff from the grain itself. Also, the outer hull must be removed because it is indigestible. The wild rice purchased in grocery stores is actually a hybrid version called "paddy rice". Paddy rice tastes slightly different then wild rice but still retains its nutritional value.

What are Whole Grains?

Whole grains, like wild rice, incorporate all of the natural nutrients of the whole seed. In other words, after the grain has been processed (hulled, crushed or cooked) it will still retain the same vitamins and minerals as before it was processed. Some whole grains include:

• buckwheat


• millet


• oats


• wheat


• rye


• corn

How to Cook Wild Rice

Wild rice can be steamed, baked, boiled or cooked in the microwave depending on the recipe. Make sure the wild rice is rinsed well and remember that one cup of raw rice will give you three or four cups of cooked rice. When cooking with grains, these rules can be applied as well. Most wild rice recipes will call for rice that has been initially steamed or boiled.

• Steaming wild rice: bring rice to a boil in saucepan, then reduce heat and cook until kernels are tender and popped.




• Boiling wild rice: put rice in boiling water containing one teaspoon of salt. Boil for around 40 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender. Kernels which have been boiled will stay intact and not pop like steamed rice kernels.

Some Wild Rice Recipes

In addition to being an excellent side dish, wild rice can also provide a delicious breakfast meal.

Wild Rice with Cherries and Hazelnuts Recipe

• 1 cup wild rice (see Notes)


• 2-1/2 cups water


• 1/4 teaspoon salt


• Brown sugar or pure maple syrup


• 1/2 cup dried cherries


• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, lightly toasted


• Milk, soy milk, or cream

Steam rice in saucepan until all water is absorbed and the rice has popped. Mix with the sugar, cherries and maple syrup. Warm before serving and top with hazelnuts and choice of milk. You might also like making a casserole from wild rice, sliced turkey, mushrooms and cheese, or other leftovers you may have after a holiday dinner.

The question of what is wild rice is best answered by referring to its versatility and amazing health benefits, in addition to the many recipes you can find implementing this highly useful whole grain.

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