I want to know where to purchase rice in its natural form as shown on Iron Chef cooking show. They showed stalks of rice, maybe freshly pulled in the rice fields then cleaned. The chef then deep fried the wheat, or hay looking rice, it was golden bunches of raw rice. When deep-fried it resembled popcorn on long grassy stalks and added to plates and served. Pussy willow appearance.
Was this the original "Iron Chef" show or "Iron Chef America?"
If it was the original, I would say it may be impossible. There are many products that are just not available outside of Japan, where that show was made. Though if you live in San Fransisco or LA, you have a much better chance since both cities have a very high Japanese population and are ports of entry for ships from Japan. This means that Japanese products are much more available there then anywhere else in the US.
If the show was the American version, you have a better chance. Try your local Natural food stores (NOT health food, big difference. Health food stores are places like GNC. Natural food stores sell organic foods, etc.), and even talk to the produce manager in your regular store. Don't underestimate what he can get a hold of. He just may not be buying it because he is assuming there wouldn't be a market for it.
I just thought of this. Where do you live? Is rice grown nearby? According to www.usriceproducers.com, nearly all of the rice in America is grown in six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas. If you live in one of them or nearby, contact a local farmer and buy some directly from him. Your best bet is a smaller farmer rather than a large production farm.
Do you remember what they called it on the show? If you knew that name for the "rice stalks", you could always Google it, and perhaps buy it over the internet. I tried Googling "fresh rice stalks" and couldn't find anything. Sorry. Maybe if you tried a Japanese cooking message board or chat room or group, they might know more.
You need to try your local health food store. They always have the coolest things in there. If they don't have it, I'm sure they will know where you can get it. Good luck!!
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