What is wild rice?
So what exactly is wild rice? Contrary to what many people believe, wild rice is not rice at all but in fact a grass. Much of it sold in the world today is not even wild but rather cultivated varieties that do not occur naturally. Wild rice is really an annual aquatic seed Zizania aquatica found mostly in the upper freshwater lakes of Canada.
Cooked wild rice has a rich nutty flavour, sometimes described as a smoky flavour, and a texture that is delightfully chewy. The benefits of wild rice can include its slender, elongated grains often come to market as premium grades of truly wild, uncultivated wild rice. These are normally sold in gourmet markets and can be as long as one-inch, the colours often varying from medium brown to nearly pure black.
The vitamin and mineral content of wild rice is comparable to that of other grains, making it a good alternative to provide more variety in your diet. It is high in the B vitamins niacin, riboflavin and thiamine, as well as potassium and phosphorus. It is a complete protein, containing all of the essential amino acids.
Wild rice is a whole grain that is high in fibre and protein while low in calories and fat, an excellent combination for weight loss. The grain also includes phosphorus, potassium, and the B vitamins. The benefits of wild rice offer many alternatives than just a lower fat and calorie content.
Ground wild rice (Flour) is used for baking and used a batter for muffins, pancakes & breads. This serves as a gluten free balanced diet, the extraordinary richness of flavour.
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Wild rice and your health
The benefits of wild rice are numerous, providing highly nutritious, delicious and a staple in a healthy, wholesome diet. Although wild rice is well known as a rice and wholegrain, you may be surprised to learn that wild rice is not a true rice or grain. It is an aquatic grass seed that can be appropriately classified as a pseudograin (seed), one of the benefits of wild rice is that it’s much more nutritious than traditional grains. It actually has twice as much protein as regular rice and more B vitamins, iron, calcium and phosphorus than brown rice.
Pseudograins, like wild rice, are higher in protein, fibre and trace minerals than grains and will provide you with clean energy to fuel your mind, body and soul. Wild rice has a full-bodied, nutty flavour and chewy texture. It’s considered a gourmet delicacy and has a very impressive nutritional profile. It is rich in minerals, vitamins (especially the Bs), fibre, phytonutrients, protein and complex carbohydrates; these all nourish the body. It is easily digested, alkaline-forming and gluten free. Additional benefits of wild rice include the fact that it is cholesterol-free, contains no sodium and is a very low-fat food.
See also: Vitamin Supplements
It grows organically in Northern regions in clear, fresh water lakes and rivers. Wild rice goes through a pure preparation process that retains the quality and quantity of nutrients inside and of course, its rich, distinctive taste. With its nutritional benefits of wild rice, this dish will fit the bill for any health conscious individual without them having to sacrifice flavour. Wild rice is incredibly versatile and compliments many meals. It will leave your belly full and you completely satisfied.
DJM Food Solutions are a boutique importer of Healthy & Nutritious Food products from Canada, including Floating Leaf wild rice products. Floating Leaf wild rice products are designed to promote excellent health through healthy cuisine. They are all-natural, gluten free, non-GMO verified, kosher, vegan and sustainably grown. For further information take a look at the DJM website.
Read more on Celebrity Angels about what other nutritional alternatives are available.
