Answers to Often Asked Questions About... Wild Rice

Is wild rice nutritious?

Yes, wild rice is nutritious! It's a high-fiber complex carbohydrate, high in quality protein and low in fat, with only 83 calories per half-cup serving.

Does wild rice volume increase when cooked?

1 cup uncooked wild rice = 3-4 cups cooked wild rice... that's 6-8 servings from just one cup uncooked wild rice!

Is wild rice expensive?

At $6.00 per pound, it's less than 38¢ per serving!

How long can I keep wild rice?

Uncooked wild rice keeps up to 5 years in an air-tight container. Cooked wild rice (plain) keeps 1 week when refrigerated. Drain well; store in air-tight container.

Can I freeze wild rice?

ABSOLUTELY – cooking and freezing ahead of time turns wild rice into a convenience food! Cooked wild rice (plain) will keep about 6 months in your freezer. Drain well; store in air tight containers. To use, thaw in refrigerator overnight, or microwave on "defrost" setting for a few minutes.

How do I prepare wild rice?

Wild rice is easy to prepare! Add 1 cup uncooked cultivated wild rice to 3-4 cups boiling water. Return to boil; stir. Cover and simmer 30-60 minutes or until kernels begin to open. Drain any excess liquid. After cooking with wild rice, you will define your preferred cook time and water content – texture of wild rice is a personal preference. For a chewier texture, cook for less time. For a tender, fluffier texture, cook longer.

Can I use wild rice in sweetened recipes?

Wild rice tends to revert to hard kernels when combined with sweeteners. Using well-cooked and chopped wild rice helps prevent this. Sweetened recipes are best when served within 24 hours.

Is there a difference in cooking characteristics or nutritional value of wild rice grown in paddies compared to that grown in lakes and rivers?

When identically processed there are no differences. Various harvesting and processing methods cause a greater variation in the kernel than the source of production.