Looking at all the different varieties of wild rice can be overwhelming. If you’re not familiar with Manoomin (Ojibwe for Wild Rice), how do you know which variety of Wild Rice to choose? This article will give you a side-by-side look at each variety as well as recommendations on how each can be used.
- MN Cultivated Rice (KC’s Best and Red Lake Nation Foods): MN Cultivated Rice refers to rice varieties grown on farms in Minnesota, USA. The Red Lake Foods variety is grown on Red Lake Nation land. It is typically a short- to medium-grain rice with a soft and slightly chewy texture. MN Cultivated Rice has an earthy, nutty flavor and is commonly used in a variety of dishes, including casseroles, salads, and rice bowls.
- Canadian Long Grain Rice(KC’s Best and Red Lake Nation Foods): Canadian Long Grain Rice is a type of rice grown in Canada, known for its long and slender grains. It has a fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. When cooked the rice will split open, wait until it fully splits but is still straight and it will have a great chewy texture. Cook longer, until the rice curls and it will have a softer texture. This rice variety is versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, including pilafs, salads, and casseroles.
- Wild Rice Soup Bits (KC’s Best and Red Lake Nation Foods): Wild Rice Soup Bits are small pieces of wild rice that can be used to add texture and flavor to soups and stews. Because the pieces are smaller, they cook faster, making it easy to add to many dishes. Wild rice is high in fiber, and other nutrients, that make it an easy excellent addition.
- Wood Parched Wild Rice (KC’s Best): Wood Parched Wild Rice is wild rice that has been traditionally parched over an open flame in a similar method used in hand-harvested Wild Rice. This method of parching gives the rice a smoky flavor and enhances its nuttiness. Wood parched wild rice will add a unique depth of flavor to common dishes, such as salads, side dishes, and pilafs.
- Quick Cook Wild Rice (Red Lake Nation Foods): Quick Cook Wild Rice is a variety of wild rice that has been processed to reduce the cooking time. Unlike traditional wild rice, which can take longer to cook, quick cook wild rice typically cooks in a fraction of the time while still maintaining its characteristic chewy texture and nutty flavor. It is a convenient option for those who want to enjoy wild rice without the longer cooking process.
- Brown and Wild Rice (KC’s Best): Brown and Wild Rice is a blend of brown rice and wild rice. It combines the nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice with the slightly chewy and mild taste of brown rice. This blend offers a unique combination of flavors and textures and can be used in various recipes such as pilafs, stuffings, and side dishes.
- White and Wild Rice (RLN Foods): White and Wild Rice is a combination of white rice and wild rice. It combines the fluffy texture and easy flavor of white rice with the distinct nuttiness of wild rice. This blend is versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, including casseroles, stir-fries, and rice salads. This is a great option for anyone afraid to take the full plunge of Wild Rice but still want to reap the health benefits of Wild Rice.
- Wild Rice with Basmati (RLN Foods): Wild Rice with Basmati is a blend of wild rice and basmati rice. Basmati rice is a long-grain rice variety known for its fragrance and delicate flavor. When combined with wild rice, it creates a blend that offers the nutty and chewy texture of wild rice along with the aromatic and fluffy characteristics of basmati rice. This blend can be used as a base for various rice dishes or enjoyed on its own as a flavorful side dish.
Miigwech, and happy eating!
