Wild rice: how and where it grows, useful properties, recipes

Rice is a valuable cereal that is a national and staple food in Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The plant is quite demanding, so most of the world's production is in countries with subtropical and tropical climates.

What wild rice looks like and where it grows

There are many species of this plant. One of the most bizarre is wild rice or tsitsaniya. It is also called black because of its unusual dark shell. Like regular rice, it is classified as a cereal, but it is not. This crop grows mainly in swampy areas, it is quite difficult to cultivate, hence such a high cost. It is noteworthy that in China in the Middle Ages, Tibetan black rice, which was grown in the Himalayas, was only consumed by the nobility.

The difference between wild rice and white rice

Wild or black rice among cereals is the "champion" because it contains many vitamins, proteins and elements. If you compare black and white, the latter is very low in protein and vitamin B1. Because of the lack of this vitamin, beri-beri disease (avitaminosis) was very common in Asia some time ago, which is characterized by a disturbance of carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the cells. As a result, there is an accumulation of blood in the nervous system, which leads to various diseases associated with it. In modern society this disease is rare, but it clearly demonstrates the dangers of mono-diet based on plain rice.

Another exceptional feature of wild rice is the anthocyanins or antioxidants in its composition, which give it that hue.

Composition and Calories

Speaking about the chemical composition of wild rice, first of all it should be noted that it has no cholesterol and almost no fat. The energy value of the product is about 100 kcal per 100 g of product.

It contains (per 100 g):

• Protein - about 4 g.
• Carbohydrates - about 20 g.
• Fats - less than 1 g.

Chemical composition of black rice:

1. Potassium is a trace element that is responsible for the normal growth of the body. Together with magnesium, it has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. It is also necessary for maintaining the balance of fluids in the body, energy transfer and storage.
2. Calcium is the main building element for bone tissue. The strength of bones, teeth and nails depends on its amount. It is also necessary for intracellular metabolism.
3. Magnesium is a substance that has a regulatory role. It controls more than 300 enzymes in the body, together with potassium is necessary for normal heart function. It is also directly involved in processing food into energy, as well as in the absorption of potassium and vitamin C.
4. Phosphorus is a macronutrient that is essential for the repair and growth of connective and cartilage tissue.
5. Iron is one of the most important elements required for the normal functioning of the human body. It is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis and the delivery of oxygen to every cell in the body.
6. Manganese is an element necessary for the strength of bones, the formation of cartilage and joints, as well as for maintaining blood sugar regulation. Sufficient amounts of it are a prevention of diabetes mellitus.

In addition, wild rice contains B, A and E vitamins, elements: zinc, sodium and copper, as well as folic acid.

How is wild rice useful?

Unlike most varieties of rice, wild rice is not ground, that is, refined. This is a process that removes the husk and the germ itself, which contains most of the nutrients.

Recent scientific studies have shown that due to the presence of insoluble dietary fiber, black rice reduces and eliminates inflammatory processes in the body, which provoke the appearance of allergies and asthma. In addition, it is a dietary product that can safely be included in any diet.

For women

For the female body, wild rice is of particular value because it contains a lot of antioxidants. They are important in preventing premature aging. In any body there are free radicals - active substances that damage cells and disrupt the natural processes in them. This primarily affects the skin: it loses its firmness, elasticity and healthy appearance. Anthocyanins neutralize free radicals and thus prolong beauty and youthfulness.

Also, don't forget that free radicals damage dermal cells as well as other cells, so having antioxidants in foods is extremely important. Black rice has more than enough of them. This can be seen with the naked eye, as they are the reason for such an unusual color of this grain. Nutritionists rank wild rice along with raspberries and blueberries for this indicator.

Unlike antioxidants, retinol (vitamin E) repairs cell damage and stimulates cell growth. It makes the skin look beautiful, firm and elastic. That is why it is called the "vitamin of youth" and is available as a separate dietary supplement. It is also a mandatory component of almost all vitamin complexes, creams and ointments, the effect of which is aimed at preventing premature aging and prolongation of youth.

All this makes black rice one of the key components of diet and healthy nutrition.

For Men

Wild rice also has a special effect on the male body. First, it has a sufficient amount of magnesium and potassium, which in tandem have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, strengthening it and preventing most diseases, including the occurrence of heart attack and stroke. Secondly, it contains a large amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and exercise.

Scientists have noted that regular consumption of wild rice leads to the strengthening of the urogenital system, as well as the suppression of bacteria and viruses that cause diseases associated with it. Thanks to this, as well as the regulation of blood circulation in the lower regions, the cereal helps to improve potency.

In pregnancy.

Undoubtedly, any woman wants to give birth to a healthy and strong child. To this end, during pregnancy, it is necessary to consume products that contain all the necessary vitamins and elements. In this case black rice is an indispensable natural and healthy product.

For pregnant women, it is of particular value because it does not contain gluten, which often causes allergic reactions, so it can be included in the diet at any period. In addition to this key feature, vitamins, protein and elements saturate the body of the future mother and contribute to the proper development of the fetus.

Other health benefits of black rice for pregnant women:

1. Wild rice contains a sufficient amount of vitamin B. It is the one that levels out such a common phenomenon in pregnant women as sharp and frequent mood swings.
2. The product promotes the safe removal of excess fluid from the body thanks to its diuretic property. It will be especially useful for those who suffer from edema or obesity.
3. Black rice contains complex carbohydrates, so it quickly and permanently satiates the body.
4. With diarrhea, the product can safely replace many medications.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides your newborn baby with all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In addition, breast milk protects him during the first 6 months of life. That is why during this period, the nursing mother is so necessary to eat right.

Many young mothers are afraid to include in this period in the diet of exotic products, including wild rice, and in vain. It has the ability to have a positive impact in a complex way on the body of both mother and baby.

The benefits of wild rice when breastfeeding:

1. It contains a lot of carbohydrates, which give energy to the mother and a feeling of fullness for a long time.
2. Manganese has a positive effect on the nervous system of the newborn.
3. Many women encounter such problems as hair loss, destroyed nails and teeth after giving birth. Black rice has enough vitamins and minerals to counteract this phenomenon.
4. In case of gastrointestinal disorders, the product quickly and safely restores its function and stops diarrhea.
5. Such rice removes toxins from the body, regulates hormones and improves mood.
6. Vitamin A improves lactation.

For children

Children can be introduced to wild rice in the diet from the moment they can chew long grains.

The value of this grain in the diet of children is difficult to overestimate, because it contains all the necessary vitamins and elements for normal development.

1. Due to the presence of B vitamins and folic acid in black rice normalizes the work of hematopoietic processes. That's why it is an excellent remedy for anemia and other diseases related to the cardiovascular system.
2. Wild rice is high in protein, which is necessary for the development of muscle mass.
3. It is a dietary food, so it can be included in the diet of children who are prone to obesity.
4. Some elements and antioxidants prevent the development of malignant tumors.
5. Rice has virtually no sodium, but plenty of potassium. How is this good for a child? The fact is that sodium is contained in table salt, so its amount in the body can become excessive, which leads to fluid retention and swelling. Potassium regulates the water balance and promotes the safe removal of fluid from the body.
6. Calcium is also an important macronutrient which is necessary for the normal development of bone and cartilage tissue.
7. Choline contained in wild rice contributes to the normal functioning of neurons and cells of the nervous system. It provides stress resistance, helps to overcome nervousness and anxiety in children.

Rice should not be given as food to children who are severely obese, colicky and constipated.

When losing weight

Most nutritionists do not recommend mono diets based on plain rice for weight loss, because it does not contain enough protein and vitamin B1. This is what makes wild rice different from regular rice, it has all the necessary elements and minerals.

There are two kinds of black rice: Chinese rice and Thai rice. They differ only in the fact that the second has more calories, but both are suitable for weight loss.

The reason for the popularity of black rice in weight loss is that its chemical composition has almost no fats, and a large amount of carbohydrates provides the body with energy for a long time. In addition, insoluble dietary fiber, which is part of this cereal, contributes to the removal of toxins, waste products, leftovers and excess fluid. Therefore, if it is necessary to correct the weight or figure, the first assistant in this - wild rice.

Wild rice in medicine

Like most products, wild rice has certain medicinal properties. In Eastern medicine, it is used to improve gastrointestinal function, increase appetite and improve skin and hair. However, studies have shown that it has a much wider range of medicinal properties.

Cardiovascular Health

Thanks to some chemical elements, it is beneficial for the heart, regulates blood glucose levels, and maintains normal cholesterol levels. It also prevents the formation of plaques on the walls of blood vessels, preventing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Gastrointestinal function

Black rice has a lot of fiber, which is like a "sponge" cleanses the intestines and stimulates the motility of the stomach, normalizing the gastrointestinal function. It is excellent for eliminating constipation, bloating and flatulence.

Sugar absorption

Thanks to complex carbohydrates, their absorption is much slower, which is the prevention of diabetes and the accumulation of excess weight.

Harms and contraindications

In itself, wild rice does not pose a threat to health and has no contraindications, however, when consuming it, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:

1. You should not eat too much of it, as it can have a negative effect on the body. A large amount of black rice can cause constipation, nausea and pain of flatulence. To benefit from the grain, you need to eat no more than a handful per day.
2. It is recommended to eat it for breakfast, so that carbohydrates saturate the body with energy, rather than being deposited as fat.
3. Wild rice is best consumed with foods that are high in fiber, such as vegetables or fruits.

How to choose and store

Buy black rice on the Internet experts do not recommend, you can do it only if the seller is proven. The fact is that because it is expensive, it is often mixed with another, cheaper grain, brown rice, which is also useful, but does not have all the properties of wild rice. Black rice should be shiny and packed in an airtight container or bag. It is also necessary to look at the date of manufacture and expiration date of the product.

Store wild rice at home, preferably in a glass jar, which is tightly closed with a lid. Before pouring it there, a small head of garlic should be placed on the bottom.

Following such simple recommendations will allow you to choose this useful product correctly and preserve its properties for a long time.

How to cook wild rice

Unlike conventional rice, wild rice has a shell and the grain itself is very thick, so a long heat treatment process will not make it soft and edible. To cope with this, this cereal, like other solid crops, should be soaked before cooking. The optimal time is 7-10 hours.

To soak black rice, you need to take a deep container, put it there and pour water. It will not only help the grain to become soft, but also remove from its surface the chemicals that some manufacturers add to increase the shelf life. It is better to do this procedure overnight, and in the morning drain the water and wash the rice a few more times.

In the finished form, the grain becomes larger by 2-3 times, so the ratio of rice and water should be an approximate proportion of 1 to 3. The average cooking time is 30-50 minutes.

What you need to know about cooking wild rice:

1. When cooking this grain, you need to constantly monitor the water level in the pot. You do not have to worry about it being too much. On the contrary, a large amount will ensure that it is crumbly.
2. Even a small amount of boiled black rice acts like a sponge on the intestines. Therefore, to avoid problems in the form of nausea and loose stools, vegetables should be added as a side dish. Their amount should be twice the amount of rice.
3. It is best to boil this grain in coconut milk or chicken broth, these liquids will reveal the quality of rice and complement the taste.
4. Wild rice can be combined with any other foodstuffs such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish, so your culinary imagination has no limits.
5. It is always better to serve black rice cooled, at least to room temperature, in which case its taste will be richer. In addition, cooling down, it absorbs the flavors of the products that are in the dish.
6. As with conventional rice, wild rice can be used to make sweet dishes as a dessert.

Interesting Facts about Rice

1. Rice is believed to have been domesticated more than 7 centuries ago. It is one of the first crops that humans began to cultivate.
2. The oldest findings concerning human consumption of rice have been found in present-day Thailand and date back to the 5th millennium BC.
3. Some species grow up to 6 m.
4. Although the first evidence of human consumption of rice was found in Thailand, its homeland is considered India, because many wild species of this plant grow on its territory.
5. Rice was introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus. Although it had its own species on its territory, Indian rice captured the primacy of cultivation on that continent.
6. Rice came to Russia under Peter the Great.
7. In Japanese culture there is a goddess patroness of this grain, it is represented in the form of a fox. Besides, there are many temples built in her honor.
8. Also in Japanese culture it is believed that rice has a soul, just like a person, so from a young age the Japanese are taught to treat this grain with respect.
9. For a long time there was a rite in China according to which the emperor had to sow rice himself, only after that other plantations began to sow it.
10. There are legends according to which rice was used to test whether a person was lying or not. The latter had to put a certain amount of grain in his mouth and hold it for a certain amount of time and then spit it out. If the rice was moist, it meant he was telling the truth, otherwise he was lying.
11. Rice is a staple in the dishes of half the world's population.
12. About half of the rice grown is consumed in areas within 15 km of where it is planted.
13. Rice is used to make flour, starch and vodka.
14. In Japan in 1995 more rice was eaten than meat.
15. The plant is very fond of moisture, so they create artificial swamps for it, in which it grows right out of the water.
16. Rice is very high in carbohydrates, with a dry residue that can be as high as about 70%.
17. Many manufacturers make cosmetic powder from rice flour.
18. Rice stalks are used to make paper and cardboard.
19. In Southeast Asia, rice is a symbol of wealth, which is where the tradition of showering newlyweds with this grain came from.
20. Many people believe that when cooking rice, you need to use twice as much water as the grain, and this is the main rule of cooking it. But experts say that this way of cooking can lead to obesity and diabetes. The fact is that rice plantations use pesticides and other chemicals, as a result, arsenic accumulates in the soil. Therefore, it is better to soak rice overnight before cooking.

Photo of wild rice