Description

Wild rice is not directly related to domesticated rice (Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima), although they are close cousins, all belonging to the tribe Oryzeae. Wild-rice grains have a chewy outer sheath with a tender inner grain that has a slightly vegetal taste.

Wild rice truly is a wild, natural food. While several varieties exist, the most commonly available are Zizania palustris, or Northern wild rice, and Zizania aquatica, or wild rice. While it is now paddy farmed in parts of California and Minnesota, the truly wild rice or “lake rice” is still available. This is thanks in large part to preservation and harvesting efforts by several Ojibwe communities in Minnesota. The Ojibwe name for wild rice is “Manoomin.”

Wild rice is, in fact, not a rice at all. It is an aquatic grass. Processing it takes time. First, the grains are harvested. Then they’re heat treated. Finally, the husks are stripped away. The result is fairly uniform black and brown kernels.

While many kinds of wild rice are known for their taste, true lake rice is said to have a richer flavor than the more common paddy rice. Paddy rice is also more uniform in shape and consistently dark brown or black. Lake Rice, on the other hand, ranges from purplish to brown or black, and can vary in shape from long and thin to short and plump.

Health Benefits
Wild rice is a wonderfully balanced food source, providing a healthy mix of protein and fiber. What’s more, it’s also relatively low in calories.

One micronutrient abundant in wild rice is Manganese. Manganese is an antioxidant, and plays a role in keeping the mitochondria in your cells healthy. Manganese has also been shown to play a role in maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Wild rice is a good choice for people with celiac disease, since it is gluten free.

Some other wild rice health benefits include:

Heart Health

Research has shown that wild rice has powerful antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. It’s also a rich source of dietary fiber. Getting sufficient dietary fiber is essential for keeping cholesterol low.

Diabetes

Wild rice is a good source of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). Some research has indicated that ALA is beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes. It may boost the body’s ability to produce insulin and reduce the symptoms of diabetic nerve damage.

Weight Loss

Like most grains, wild rice is highly effective when it comes to reducing hunger. However, wild rice also has a fairly low calorie count, thanks in part to it being rich in fiber. This can make it a good option for people looking to lose weight.