| |
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

| |