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Welcome to Minnestalgia Wild Rice - Order buttons are at the bottom of this page - buy yours here!
Minnesota is one of the major producers of Wild Rice in the world. Wild Rice grows wild mostly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada. Minnesota has laws about the labeling of Wild Rice that is sold here. Wild Rice that is growing naturally in the lakes and rivers of Minnesota and is harvested by canoe and flail sticks in the age old tradition, should be labeled as Minnesota Hand Harvested Lake and River Wild Rice. The origin where Lake Wild Rice is growing should be on the package as well, ie., Minnesota, Wisconsin, Canada etc. See the "All Things Wild Rice" for wild rice pictures featuring both Lake Wild Rice and Culltivated Wild Rice
Wild Rice is also cultivated as a crop in those same areas and is grown in man-made paddies similar to white rice. In Minnesota this Wild Rice should be labeled as Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice with the origin clearly labeled also.
The Story of Minnesota Hand Harvested Lake Wild Rice
One of the rituals and traditions left to the Ojibwa or Chippewa People of Northern Minnesota is the annual harvesting of the Wild Rice which grows naturally in the rivers and lakes - untouched by chemicals, controlled by nature...not by man. The harvesting of the Wild rice is done much the same as it was centuries ago and since the beginning of the Ojibwa People, has been a time of ceremony and celebration. Wild Rice has always been a vital link in their spiritual and physical survival and, as such, was celebrated as a deity. Many battles were fought with other Indian Nations over the possession of the Wild Rice producing waters. A good harvest could mean the difference between a good winter or a bad one; life or death.
The Story of Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice
In the early 1950's, experimentation in cultivating Wild Rice began in the rich land of Northern Minnesota, where it grows naturally, in the hopes of being able to stabilize the supply. It wasn't until the late 1960's that Wild Rice became commercially viable. With a larger and more consistent supply, Wild Rice could now became available to the everyday consumer, not just as a valued gift or a once a year treat (if it could be found at all), but as an every day staple in the American diet. Cultivated Wild Rice is usually black wild rice and will take about 50 minutes to cook depending on the size of the kernel.
Wild Rice - Good and Good for you!
Because of its naturally nutritious qualities (high in fiber and trace minerals, low in fat), Wild Rice is an excellent alternative for the traditional potato and has more nutrition than either white or brown rice. Cooked Wild Rice is wonderful in everything from stir frys, casseroles, soups, salads and breads to hot & cold cereals. One of the tastier ways to enjoy Wild Rice is to mix it with ground meats in hamburgers, meatloaf, meat balls and sausages. The gourmet taste of Minnesota Wild Rice is available now, everyday to you - the discriminating consumer!
Enjoy the Northwoods difference!
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