Wild Rice (Zizania)

Wild rice is a future 50 food, but this so-called ‘rice’ isn’t actually rice at all. It's the seed of a semi-aquatic grass that grows wild in North American lakes and rivers. The seeds are long, thin and covered by green, brown or black husks. After harvesting, the husk is dried then hulled. Often mixed with brown and white rice, wild rice is not commercially grown  so supply is scarce in many parts of the world.

Deliciously nutty, toasty and earthy with a chewy texture, wild rice is easy to digest and a source of various valuable minerals.

Compared with white rice, wild rice is a better source of protein, zinc and iron. Like rice, its prepared by boiling in water or stock. It can also be popped like corn for a colourful, more nutritious version of ‘popcorn’. Put this delicious future 50 food in salads and soups or mix it with other grains and vegetables in veggie burgers.