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Pearled Wild Rice
Grains
Nutri-ScoreB

Pearled Wild Rice

Zizania aquatica

Clinical Encyclopedia

Pearled wild rice is a nutritious grain known for its chewy texture and nutty flavor. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals.

Also known as:
Manoomin (Native American)Wild Rice (USA)
Scientific NameZizania aquatica
Region of OriginNorth America

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)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.02 mg (2%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)0.4 mg (3%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.2 mg (4%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (6%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0 µgVitamin C: 0 mgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin E: 0.1 mgVitamin K: 0.2 µgFolate: 5 µgVitamin B12: 0 µgCholine: 0.5 mg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron0.3 mg (2%)
Magnesium15 mg (4%)
Phosphorus40 mg (6%)
Potassium150 mg (4%)
Zinc0.5 mg (5%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Manganese0.5 mg (25%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Calcium: 3 mgSelenium: 0.2 µg

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, pearled wild rice can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
High in fiber, it supports digestive health and can aid in weight management by promoting satiety.

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.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose wild rice that is whole and free from cracks or broken grains.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

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

Medicinal Properties
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory
Main Applications
Culinary use in salads and side dishes
Nutritional supplement for dietary fiber
Bioactive Compounds
Anthocyanins

Natural pigments with antioxidant properties.

How to Consume
Cooked, as a grain side dishIn soups and salads
Did you know?

"Wild rice is not actually rice but an aquatic grass native to North America."

Myths vs Realities

MythWild rice is just a type of rice.
RealityWild rice is actually an aquatic grass, not a true rice.
MythAll wild rice is the same.
RealityThere are different varieties of wild rice, each with unique flavors and textures.
MythWild rice is difficult to cook.
RealityCooking wild rice is similar to cooking other grains; it just takes longer.

Healthy Recipes

Pearled Wild Rice Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

A refreshing salad combining the nutty flavor of pearled wild rice with vibrant citrus and crunchy vegetables, perfect for a light lunch.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled wild rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 orange, segmented
  • 1 grapefruit, segmented
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Rinse the pearled wild rice under cold water and cook it in 2 cups of boiling water for about 40-45 minutes until tender.
  2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, orange segments, grapefruit segments, cucumber, and parsley.
  3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, then pour over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Savory Pearled Wild Rice and Mushroom Risotto

A creamy and hearty risotto made with pearled wild rice and earthy mushrooms, providing a nutritious twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled wild rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
  3. 3. Stir in the pearled wild rice and gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the rice is creamy and cooked through. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Pearled Wild Rice and Black Bean Bowl

A nutritious and filling bowl featuring pearled wild rice, black beans, and a variety of fresh toppings, perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled wild rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook the pearled wild rice in 2 cups of boiling water for about 40-45 minutes until tender.
  2. 2. In a bowl, layer the cooked wild rice, black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
  3. 3. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Pearled Wild Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of pearled wild rice, vegetables, and spices, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked pearled wild rice
  • 1 cup diced zucchini
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix cooked pearled wild rice, zucchini, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the rice mixture, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Pearled Wild Rice and Kale Stir-Fry

A quick and nutritious stir-fry featuring pearled wild rice and kale, packed with flavor and health benefits.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked pearled wild rice
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and add ginger and carrot, sautéing for a few minutes.
  2. 2. Add the chopped kale and cooked pearled wild rice, stirring in the soy sauce and cooking until heated through.
  3. 3. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Pearled Wild Rice and Roasted Vegetable Medley

A colorful medley of roasted vegetables served over a bed of pearled wild rice, drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked pearled wild rice
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Balsamic reduction for drizzling
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet.
  2. 2. Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. 3. Serve the roasted vegetables over the cooked pearled wild rice and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

Pearled Wild Rice and Spinach Frittata

A protein-packed frittata featuring pearled wild rice and fresh spinach, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked pearled wild rice
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté spinach until wilted. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cooked wild rice, spinach, feta, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Pour the mixture into the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the edges set, then transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully set.

Pearled Wild Rice and Lentil Soup

A hearty and nutritious soup combining pearled wild rice and lentils, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled wild rice
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add lentils, pearled wild rice, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils and rice are tender.
  3. 3. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Pearled Wild Rice and Pomegranate Salad

A vibrant salad featuring pearled wild rice, pomegranate seeds, and nuts, drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked pearled wild rice
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pearled wild rice, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and red onion.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pour over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  3. 3. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Pearled Wild Rice and Chicken Skillet

A one-pan dish featuring tender chicken and pearled wild rice, infused with herbs and spices for a deliciously wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled wild rice
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add diced chicken, seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
  2. 2. Add pearled wild rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, simmering for 40-45 minutes until rice is tender.
  3. 3. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is pearled wild rice gluten-free?

Yes, pearled wild rice is naturally gluten-free.

How do you cook pearled wild rice?

Rinse and boil in water or broth for 45-60 minutes.

What are the health benefits of wild rice?

It is high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and digestion.

Can you eat wild rice raw?

No, wild rice must be cooked before consumption.

How long does cooked wild rice last in the fridge?

Cooked wild rice can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

What is the difference between wild rice and brown rice?

Wild rice is a different species and has a nuttier flavor and higher protein content.

Can wild rice be used in desserts?

Yes, it can be used in sweet dishes and puddings.

Is wild rice more nutritious than white rice?

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