Food Alphabet
Black rice (wild)
Black (wild) rice is not directly related to traditional rice. It is a perennial herb from the genus Ziziana, which is related to the related genus Oryza.
Wild rice grows in the area of the North American Great lakes, so it also has names: canadian rice, Indian rice, water oats.
Wild rice grains are quite hard and long. They are dark brown or black in color and have a smooth, shiny surface. They have a specific sweet taste with a delicate nutty aroma.
Wild rice is used for salads, soups, hot and cold appetizers, fillings, and even desserts. It is especially delicious as a side dish to fish dishes in combination with steamed long-grain rice.
