Home/Grains/Organic Wild Rice
Back to Home
Organic Wild Rice
Grains
Nutri-ScoreA

Organic Wild Rice

Zizania aquatica

Clinical Encyclopedia

Organic wild rice is a nutrient-dense grain known for its unique nutty flavor and chewy texture. It is rich in antioxidants and provides a good source of protein and fiber.

Also known as:
Zizania (North America)Manoomin (Ojibwe)
Scientific NameZizania aquatica
Region of OriginUnited States and Canada

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories101 kcal
Water
12%
Fiber1.8g
Total25.3g
Protein
4g(16%)
Fats
0.3g(1%)
Carbohydrates
21g(83%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.2 mg (17%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)2 mg (13%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.5 mg (10%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (8%)
Folate9 µg (2%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0 µgVitamin C: 0 mgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin E: 0.1 mgVitamin K: 0 µgVitamin B12: 0 µgCholine: 0 mg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron0.5 mg (3%)
Magnesium25 mg (6%)
Phosphorus80 mg (11%)
Potassium150 mg (4%)
Zinc0.6 mg (5%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Manganese1 mg (43%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Calcium: 3 mgSelenium: 0.6 µg

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, organic wild rice helps combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
High in protein and fiber, it supports digestive health and aids in maintaining a healthy weight.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Rinse thoroughly before cooking. Boil in water or broth for about 45-60 minutes until tender. Can be used in salads, soups, or as a side dish.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose organic wild rice that is whole and free from any debris or broken grains. Look for a rich, dark color.

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Cooked wild rice can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive
Main Applications
Nutritional support for heart health
Weight management
Bioactive Compounds
Anthocyanins

Natural pigments with antioxidant properties.

Phenolic acids

Compounds that may reduce inflammation.

How to Consume
Cooked, Salads, Soups
Did you know?

"Wild rice is not actually rice but a semi-aquatic grass that grows in shallow waters."

Myths vs Realities

MythWild rice is a type of rice.
RealityWild rice is actually a grass, not a true rice, and has different nutritional properties.
MythAll wild rice is the same.
RealityThere are different varieties of wild rice, each with unique flavors and nutritional profiles.
MythWild rice is hard to cook.
RealityCooking wild rice is similar to cooking other grains; it just requires a longer cooking time.

Healthy Recipes

Wild Rice and Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad combining organic wild rice and quinoa, tossed with vibrant vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook the wild rice and quinoa according to package instructions and let cool.
  2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
  3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

Wild Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of organic wild rice, black beans, corn, and spices, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked organic wild rice
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix cooked wild rice, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
  3. 3. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers, top with cheese if desired, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

A hearty and creamy soup featuring organic wild rice and earthy mushrooms, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, then stir in wild rice and vegetable broth.
  3. 3. Simmer for 30 minutes, then stir in coconut milk, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Wild Rice and Spinach Pilaf

A nutritious pilaf made with organic wild rice, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices, perfect as a side dish or main course.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in a little olive oil until soft.
  2. 2. Add wild rice, vegetable broth, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  3. 3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes; stir in spinach just before serving.

Wild Rice and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

A nourishing bowl filled with organic wild rice, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a tahini dressing for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, carrots, bell peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Water to thin
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes.
  2. 2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
  3. 3. In a bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth, then assemble the bowl with wild rice, roasted vegetables, and drizzle with tahini dressing.

Wild Rice and Chickpea Curry

A flavorful curry featuring organic wild rice and chickpeas simmered in a coconut milk base with aromatic spices.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add curry powder and cook for another minute.
  2. 2. Stir in chickpeas, coconut milk, and cooked wild rice; simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Wild Rice and Avocado Sushi Rolls

Healthy sushi rolls made with organic wild rice, fresh avocado, and crisp vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or snack.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 4 sheets nori
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions and let cool.
  2. 2. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat, spread a thin layer of wild rice, and arrange avocado, cucumber, and carrot on top.
  3. 3. Roll tightly, slice into pieces, and serve with soy sauce.

Wild Rice and Lentil Salad

A protein-packed salad combining organic wild rice and lentils, tossed with fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions and let cool.
  2. 2. In a large bowl, combine wild rice, lentils, red onion, and parsley.
  3. 3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, then drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

Wild Rice and Apple Breakfast Bowl

A warm breakfast bowl featuring organic wild rice, sautéed apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked organic wild rice
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
  • Chopped nuts for topping
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat coconut oil and sauté diced apple until soft.
  2. 2. Stir in cooked wild rice, cinnamon, and maple syrup, heating through.
  3. 3. Serve warm, topped with chopped nuts.

Wild Rice and Beet Salad

A vibrant salad featuring organic wild rice, roasted beets, and feta cheese, drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic wild rice
  • 2 medium beets, roasted and diced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook wild rice according to package instructions and let cool.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine wild rice, roasted beets, feta cheese, olive oil, balsamic reduction, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Toss gently and serve as a refreshing salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is wild rice gluten-free?

Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those with gluten intolerance.

How do you cook wild rice?

Rinse the rice, then boil it in water or broth for about 45-60 minutes until tender.

What are the health benefits of wild rice?

Wild rice is high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, which can support heart health and aid digestion.

Can wild rice be eaten cold?

Yes, cooked wild rice can be chilled and added to salads or served as a cold side dish.

How should wild rice be stored?

Store uncooked wild rice in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Cooked wild rice can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Is wild rice more nutritious than white rice?

Yes, wild rice is generally more nutritious than white rice, offering more protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

Can wild rice be used in soups?

Absolutely! Wild rice adds a unique flavor and texture to soups and stews.

What is the glycemic index of wild rice?

Wild rice has a moderate glycemic index of around 45, making it a better choice than white rice for blood sugar control.