Northern Wild Rice (Manoomin) (Zizania aquatica / palustris)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Magnificent tall aquatic annual grass growing in clear northern lakes and slow rivers, producing nutrient-dense dark grains revered as a sacred cultural gift.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Nutty, earthy, toasty, smoky, and deeply savory with chewy, satisfying texture. — Traditional canoe poling and wooden knockers to gently bend heads and shake ripe grains; Parched over open fire, threshed to remove hulls, and winnowed in birchbark trays; Simmered with wild mushrooms, dried cranberries, and venison; Puffed in hot oil like wild popcorn

Habitat & North American Range

Shallow slow-moving northern streams, lakeshores, and wetland bays with soft organic mud. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5)