A Native American says a prayer & hands out tobacco, offering thanks to Nature (photo by Greg Peterson)

Unlike the genetically modified "wild rice" grown in paddies, truly authentic wild rice delivers a deep, rich flavor cherished by chefs and devoted foodies. Its unique qualities led Chef Alice Waters to choose it for a special New Year's Dinner at Chez Panisse.

Native Harvest Wild Rice is known as "the food that grows on water" and Manoomin to Minnesota's Native American Ojibwe communities. The wild rice is hand-harvested from pristine lakes on the White Earth Indian Reservation as it has been for centuries, using traditional methods. It has never been genetically modified.

Manoomin is a central aspect of Ojibwe culture and tradition, a part of the proceeds benefit the White Earth Land Recovery Project, which works to protect the integrity of this important native food.

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Ojibwe communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada harvest and process wild rice, following the traditions of their ancestors. Manoomin is also part of the Anishinaabeg migration stories and prophecies. It continues to define what it means to be Anishinaabeg. The campaign to protect the integrity of this heirloom wild rice is an important aspect of the White Earth Land Recovery Project.

"Too many of America's indigenous foods have been lost forever, or are in danger of becoming lost. We are proud to be helping the effort to save this important heirloom of our country's food culture by making it available to the widest audience possible," said Jeff Deasy, American Feast founder and president.

The indigenous specialty foods available from AmericanFeast.com are true gifts from nature for discriminating foodies and slow food cooking enthusiasts concerned about the health of the environment.

To purchase authentic wild rice, hand-harvested by the Ojibwe people, go to: Native Harvest Wild Rice: Sacred Manoomin

To view a wonderful recipe employing Sacred Manoomin go to: American Black Walnut & Wild Rice Pilaf

To follow American Feast on Facebook go to: American Feast on Facebook

To follow American Feast's Founder on Twitter go to: Jeff Deasy on Twitter

For information related to the purchase of advertising space and editorial coverage on the American Feast web site call Jeff Deasy toll free at 877-332-7875 or email him at jdeasy@americanfeast.com