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Zizania latifolia
Manchurian wild rice
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Zizania latifolia plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan, Manchuria. It is a member of the Gramineae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Manchurian wild rice. Some home gardeners know the variety as Z. caducifolia.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Zizania latifolia
Common Name:  Manchurian wild rice
Family:  Gramineae
Author:  (Griseb.)Stapf.
 
Known Hazards:  None known
 
Mature Height:  3.5   Mature Width:  
 
Habitat:  Swamps marshes etc in running or stagnant shallow water[1, 136].



Edible Uses:  The swollen stem bases, infected with the smut fungus Ustilago esculenta, are eaten as a vegetable by the Chinese[1, 74, 105]. They must be harvested before the fungus starts to produce spores since the flesh deteriorates at this time[206]. They are parboiled then sauteed with other vegetables and have a nutty flavour reminiscent of coconut[183]. The wild forms of this species have developed resistance to the smut, so specially disease-susceptible cultivars are grown[206]. Seed - cooked[1, 74, 136]. It can be used like rice in sweet or savoury dishes[183]. The seed can also be ground into a flour and used in making cakes, biscuits etc[K]. The seed contains about 13.7% protein, 0.9% fat, 72.7% carbohydrate, 0.7% ash[179]. Young inflorescences - cooked and used as a vegetable[183]. Young shoots - raw or cooked[46, 136, 178]. A pleasant sweet taste[74]. The shoots contain about 1% protein, 0.3% fat, 4.7% carbohydrate, 0.7% ash[179]. Root[1, 74]. No more details.

For further Zizania latifolia gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

 
Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future

 


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