The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is an annual celebration falling on the 5th of May in the lunar calendar. This festive occasion is marked by a variety of traditional dishes, with fermented rice wine being the most prominent.
According to folk beliefs, the fifth month of the lunar year sees a rise in diseases due to hot and humid weather conditions.
Among the array of festive foods is fermented rice wine, believed to boost health and ward off illnesses. This delicacy, also known as sweet rice wine or glutinous rice wine, is an un distilled alcoholic beverage crafted from glutinous rice. The process of making fermented rice wine commences with cooking the rice into a sticky consistency, allowing it to cool, and then mixing it with yeast for fermentation.
Consuming fermented rice wine during the Dragon Boat Festival is considered an effective way to eliminate parasites and harmful insects from the body.
Preparing Fermented Rice Wine for the Dragon Boat Festival
Ingredients:
– 500g glutinous rice (either regular or black glutinous rice)
– 6g rice wine yeast
– 500ml water
– 1 teaspoon of salt
Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in cold water for approximately 4 to 6 hours. Afterward, drain the rice and give it another rinse. Cook the rice into sticky rice, either using a steamer, a rice cooker, or a conventional pot, ensuring it is evenly cooked without becoming too dry or mushy.
Once the sticky rice is cooked, spread it out on a plate or tray to cool down until it is just warm.
The ideal temperature for the rice is slightly warm, sufficient to activate the yeast without being too hot, which could kill it.
Prepare the yeast by grinding it into a fine powder and passing it through a sieve to ensure even distribution when mixed with the rice. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm rice and mix thoroughly. Place the yeast-rice mixture into a sealed container and let it ferment at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. Ensure that the container is well-ventilated but not overly exposed, creating an optimal environment for fermentation.
After the fermentation period, taste the fermented rice wine. It should have a subtle sweetness and a pleasant alcoholic aroma, devoid of any yeast flavor.
If you prefer a stronger alcoholic taste, you can extend the fermentation by a day or two. Once the desired flavor is achieved, you can either consume the fermented rice wine immediately or store it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. It can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
Preparing fermented rice wine for the Dragon Boat Festival requires patience and attention to detail, ensuring that each step is executed with precision.
Note: The longer fermented rice wine is stored, the stronger its flavor becomes. If you do not wish for excessive fermentation, it is advisable to refrigerate it once it reaches your desired taste and enjoy it on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival.
While various types of glutinous rice can be used, the most authentic and flavorful option is unhulled glutinous rice, which retains the nutrient-rich rice bran layer, resulting in a deeper yellow color. This type of rice not only enhances the taste but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish.
Rice wine yeast can be conveniently purchased from dry goods stalls in local markets.
As you gather with your loved ones during the Dragon Boat Festival, be sure to include this traditional delicacy in your celebrations, creating memorable moments filled with the warmth of family and the unique flavors of fermented rice wine.
The Origin and Meaning of Lunar New Year: Exploring the Celebration
The vibrant and joyous celebration of Lunar New Year is a festival steeped in tradition and held dearly by the Vietnamese people. This article will explain to you the rich history and symbolism behind this important event – Tet!
Celebrating Vietnam’s Thanh Minh Holiday with Traditional Cuisine
The annual celebration of T?t Thanh Minh is a time for the Vietnamese people to revere their ancestors. An important part of this holiday are the traditional dishes, such as sticky rice and boiled chicken, which have been enjoyed for generations.
Exploring the History and Traditions of T?t Ðoan Ng?, Vietnam’s Mid-Year Festival
Do you know the story of Doan Ngo Tet, or the Double Fifth Festival? This traditional holiday has a deep history which has played an important role in East Asian and Vietnamese culture. Find out more about this special event and its fascinating history!
Share 50+ Heartwarming Tết Ðoan Ngọ 2023 Wishes with Your Loved Ones
Say hello to the festive season with these charming and heartfelt Tet Doan Ngo 2023 wishes and the best poems! Get ready to share fond memories and best wishes to your family and friends as you celebrate the upcoming Tet Doan Ngo. Here is an amazing collection of Tet Doan Ngo 2023 wishes and poetry to express your love and gratitude.
Top Desktop Programs of 2019 for Viewing Lunar, Solar, and Perpetual Calendars
Stay up-to-date on the latest calendar software in 2019 with our comprehensive review of the top desktop programs for lunar, solar, and perpetual calendars.
