Woodland, California

Wild Rice's Origins Wild Rice is an aquatic grass native to North America. It was discovered in natural stands in shallow lakes and streams in the Great Lakes Region. These dark nutritious grains were used as staple food by early man inhabiting this region. Early Native Americans called the grain "Manomin" meaning Good Berries. As an important source of nutrition, wild rice gained strong popularity with its gourmet image and its use in imaginative rice mixes and other convenience foods promoted by large food marketing companies. This signaled the need for producing these grains in volume as a managed field crop. Early progress was made in Minnesota, however local paddy cultivation was hampered by the short growing season. A shift to the longer season and ideal growing climate of Central California's rice region opened the way for dramatic increases in cultivated wild rice acreage. Wild Rice in California Here in the traditional rice growing region of Central California, successful paddy cultivation, plant breeding research and commitment of large scale acreage has made California growers and Gourmet Valley Foods recognized leaders in wild rice production. Gourmet Valley's continued association with progressive wild rice growers has resulted in increased planting of improved varieties providing quality product characteristics and record yields in California soil. Gourmet Valley Foods only contracts with growers capable of meeting its rigid quality standards. This has resulted in Gourmet Valley Foods becoming a leader in the production of California grown wild rice for both the domestic and export market. Processed Wild Rice from Gourmet Valley Foods Wild rice is milled much the same as other rice grains, including hull removal, sizing and grading based on length and with. However, the curing, parboiling and parching or roasting methods that are used for wild rice are unique and not used for other rice grains. Gourmet Valley Foods focuses on consistency, with dedication and special attention to research and quality through the whole process (seeding to shipping finished product). They have developed techniques for roasting and drying which deliver kernels with improved durability. The grains are visually more appealing with superior cooking qualities. The kernels open uniformly and there is no discoloration from over roasting. Finally, you will find that their wild rice resists overcooking and "starching out" maintaining a uniform texture during steam table holding. We at California Flavors are confident that you will find that Gourmet Valley Wild Rice,with its lightly roasted and delightfully nut like flavor, superior to any other wild rice you will find.

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