ABSTRACT
Wild rice grains are two or more times the length of long-grained common rice, and are gray or brown. Beginning then, experiments were conducted in Minnesota to grow wild rice as a field crop. Wild rice is a highly nutritious grain, richer in protein and with a better balance of protein components than conventional rice. Wild rice is frequently served with game, particularly with ducks and other game birds, as it is said to enhance their flavor. To extend it, wild rice is often combined with other grains, such as brown rice or bulghur wheat. The dark color of wild rice grains contrasts attractively when combined with white rice and other light-colored foods. Wild rice can be presoaked for several hours before boiling to reduce cooking time. Although wild-collected wild rice has a special niche market, it is clear that the wild rice industry will remain based on cultivation of domesticated varieties.
