Minnesota has many things. It has a state bird, state flower, and even a state grain. Guess what it is? It is wild rice. Minnesota wild rice is grown in the central and northern parts of Minnesota. In 2013, Minnesota produced 80% of the wild rice.
For hundreds of years, the Minnesota wild rice was a staple for the Chippewa and the Sioux Indians. They harvested the rice from canoes and used long sticks to shake the grain into the boats. Some Native Americans still raise and harvest rice this way. However, most wild rice is raised by farmers and is cultivated using large combines.
So, what exactly is Minnesota wild rice and why are people going crazy over it?
Nutritionally speaking, the rice is high in protein and low in fat. A little of it goes a long way.
The wild rice is harvested at the end of August and through early September. But did you know that the wild rice is not actually rice? The Minnesota wild rice variety is classified as a water-grass seed.
When the wild rice is harvested, about 80% of it falls back into the water to become the seed for next year’s crop. It takes approximately two to three pounds of unprocessed wild rice to get just one pound of rice!
Minnesota rice farmers would love for you to try their Minnesota wild rice. There are plenty of recipes on the internet for how to cook wild rice.
The rice itself has a subtle snap when you bite down on it, and it does not get soggy in soups or stews.
Minnesotans love wild rice. They add it to pancakes, bread, salads, soups, and even desserts.
If you love the wild rice then why not include a bag in a gift basket? You can create a nifty gift basket using many of Minnesota’s favorite foods.
