Wild Rice | Hand Parched

Hand Parched Wild Rice

Not all wild rice is created equal! When you buy Canadian wild rice from Wildly Organic, you’re getting wild rice grown naturally in the clear, pure water of Canada.

Hand Parched Wild Rice Direct From Canada

This wild rice hails from inland lakes in Canada, hand parched by Ojibwa Indians using traditional methods.

Most wild rice available in grocery stores across America is a cultivated, hybridized wild rice developed by the University of Minnesota. Referred to as "paddy rice", it grows in rice paddies, similar to brown rice. It is consistently the same year after year. There is a tremendous difference between "real" wild rice and paddy rice.

"Real" wild rice grows wild in the clear cool lakes near our facilities. It is not genetically modified and has not been altered like most of the other grains available in the US. This wild rice requires just the right conditions to grow and only grows naturally in northern Minnesota and just north in Canada. The water has to be at a certain level, and it needs to flow slightly, but not so much that it uproots the plants. The bottom of the lake needs to have rich humus, and the temperatures need to be like those you see in this area: COLD! Given those conditions, you can grow wonderfully delicious, natural, Canadian wild rice (which is actually an aquatic grass with large seed heads).

Real wild rice will not grow in rice paddies, nor can it be cultivated. This is a natural grain native to Minnesota that is not a "farm crop." While the hybridized "paddy rice" may resemble its ancestor, real wild rice is the ancestor. Like the ancient parents of many heirloom seeds and grains, this rice grows on non-depleted soils at the bottom of pristine lakes as planted by "Mother Nature".

From Lakeside To Tableside

Once the rice is harvested it looks just like large, green, grass seed. These seeds are then parched to remove the husk and cause the starches inside the seed to restructure. Without the parching process, this grain (seed) would not cook into "rice" nor "puff" into the tender, nutty-flavored strands that we love.

"Hand parched" wild rice has been parched by Ojibwe Indians in a wood-fired parcher using their traditional methods. This results in a lighter colored wild rice than the Canadian Jumbo rice. It also cooks much faster. Most Native Americans and many others prefer this type of wild rice. It is definitely the best choice if you live a fast-paced life or do not want to spend too much time in the kitchen. This rice is delicious, and possibly a bit less chewy and softer than other rice, though both types of wild rice are wonderfully delicious.

Canadian wild rice has a great flavor and cooks up light and fluffy. It can be substituted 100% for any other type of rice in a recipe and make a wonderful side dish. Cook time takes from about 15 to 20 minutes.

Buy Wild Rice From Wildly Organic

Have questions about our organic wild rice? Contact us at Wildly Organic today. Our customer service team would be glad to answer your questions.