Canadian Wild Rice
(Zizania palustris)
Description
A truly wild rice, wild-harvested in the pristine waters of the Great Lakes region in Canada.
Traditionally wood-parched for preservation and to impart a subtle smoky flavor.
This wild rice is scarified, meaning the surface has been gently scratched making it more permeable to water and allowing it to cook up soft and chewy in significantly less time.
This is a truly wild harvest, never sprayed, never fertilized. Tended to only by the ecology and the elements it thrives in.
Every September it’s harvested at peak maturity and traditionally processed to retain optimal nutrition and a unique flavor profile.
With up to 3 times the protein of white rice, more minerals and phytonutrients, this is a powerful domestic staple that is a major upgrade to conventional carbohydrates.
Experience the rare and sacred gift of manoomin, the “good seed” in Ojibwe, a language spoken by the Anishinaabe people. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude for preserving this plant relative and carrying forward humanity’s connection to it.
More than a superfood it’s a sacred food.
*Limited Seasonal Harvest
Specifications:
- Species: Zizania palustris
- Harvest Method: Airboat harvested
- Processing: Wood-parched and mechanically cleaned
- Grain Type: Whole, long grain
- Origin: Great Lakes Region, Canada
- Shelf Life: Minimum 36 months. When stored dry and airtight, wild rice remains stable for many years.
- Storage: Cool, dry conditions
SCARIFIED
SOFT & NUTTY
LOW-GLYCEMIC
MORE PROTEIN
HOW TO COOK
-
1.
Rinse 1 cup in cool water to remove any dust or loose material.
-
2.
Add 1 1/2 cups of broth or water and bring to a boil.
-
3.
Add 1 tablespoon of butter or preferred fat and 1 teaspoon of salt.
-
4.
Add wild rice and bring to a boil, then simmer.
-
5.
Because this rice is scarified, it cooks faster (20–25 minutes). Start checking around 20 minutes: the grains should split and curl while staying slightly chewy.
-
6.
Drain any excess water if needed. Cover and let rest 5 minutes off the heat to finish steaming.
-
7.
Fluff with a fork and enjoy. Perfect as a base for bowls, salads, or hearty sides.
| Feature |
The Wildest!
Wild Based™ Wild Rice
|
FloatingLeaf Wild Rice
|
Lundberg Cultivated "Wild Rice"
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Truly Wild Harvested | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Wood-Parched | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Scarified | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Cooks Up Soft & Chewy | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Exclusively from Great Lakes Region | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Environmental Impact | Supports Wetland Ecologies | Supports Wetland Ecologies | Agriculture Monocrop |
THE WILD RICE PROCESS
001 HARVEST
002 CURING/DRYING
003 WOOD-PARCHING
004 HULLING
005 WINNOWING
006 SCARIFICATION
007 CLEANING & GRADING
THE WILD RICE PROCESS
001 HARVEST
Wild rice grows in shallow, slow-moving waters, swaying with the rhythm of the wind. We harvest by airboat — a modern adaptation of indigenous canoe traditions — gently knocking the grains from the stalks without uprooting the plant. This ensures it can regrow the next season.
002 CURING/DRYING
After harvest, the rice is laid out to dry under sun and air — allowing its moisture content to stabilize. This curing step deepens flavor and locks in longevity. Think of it as the rice catching its breath before transformation.
003 WOOD-PARCHING
This is where fire meets grain. The dried rice is gently roasted over a wood fire — a traditional method that toasts the husk and infuses a deep, earthy aroma. Parching deactivates anti-nutrients and begins to separate the outer hull.
004 HULLING
Once parched, the rice is ready to be hulled. This removes the now-brittle outer casing, revealing the nutrient-rich kernel inside.
005 WINNOWING
Using air or shaking techniques, the hulls and broken pieces are sifted from the rice. This traditional method ensures only full, intact kernels remain.
006 SCARIFICATION
To reduce cooking time, we scarify the grains — gently scratching the surface to help water penetrate faster. This means you get the same deep, nutty taste in a fraction of the time.
007 CLEANING & GRADING
Finally, the rice is triple-cleaned and sorted. Only the best grains make it into our final product.







