Minnestalgia Wild Rice Harvesting

Minnesota is one of the major producers of Wild Rice in the world. Wild Rice grows wild mostly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada. This video will show you the different growing and harvesting methods. One of the rituals and traditions left to the Ojibwa or Chippewa People of Northern Minnesota is the annual harvesting of the Wild Rice which grows naturally in the rivers and lakes - untouched by chemicals, controlled by nature...not by man. The harvesting of the Lake and River Wild Rice is done much the same as it was centuries ago and since the beginning of the Ojibwa People, has been a time of ceremony and celebration. Wild Rice has always been a vital link in their spiritual and physical survival and, as such, was celebrated as a deity. Many battles were fought over the possession of the Wild Rice producing waters. A good harvest could mean the difference between a good winter or a bad one; life or death. In the early 1950's, experimentation in cultivating Wild Rice began in the rich land of Northern Minnesota in the hopes of being able to stabilize the supply. It wasn't until the late 1960's that Wild Rice became commercially viable. With a larger and more consistent supply, Wild Rice could now became available to the everyday consumer, not just as a valued gift or a once a year treat (if it could be found at all), but as an every day staple in the American diet. Wild Rice can be green, blonde, dusty brown, slate grey or black in coler and depending on the processing, cook times will vary from 15 - 65 minutes. As a rule, the darker the color the longer it takes to cook. Wild Rice is naturally Gluten Free, Sodium Free, Fat Free and Cholesterol Free. It also has more Zinc, Protein, Phosphorus and other trace minerals than either brown or white rice. And, a 1/2 cup serving contains over half of your daily whole grain requirements. All these natural qualities make it an excellent alternative for the traditional potato or other rice dishes. Cooked Wild Rice is wonderful in everything from stir frys, casseroles, soups, salads and breads to hot & cold cereals. One of the tastier ways to enjoy Wild Rice is to mix it with ground meats in hamburgers, meatloaf, meat balls and sausages. The gourmet taste of Minnesota Wild Rice is available now, everyday to you - the discriminating consumer!