Wild rice

Wild rice, Zizania palustris is native to the Great Lakes region of North America, where it grows in shallow water of small lakes and streams. It was harvested by Native Americans by canoeing into the stand, and bending and beating the ripe grain heads with the canoe paddles, so as to thresh the seeds into the canoe. Because of its nutrional value, wild rice increased in popularity as a food in the late 20th century, and commercial cultivation began in the US and Canada to supply the increased demand. Wild rice is the official state grain of Minnesota. Category:Cereals\nCategory:Grasses\n\n