The Mother-in-Law’s Secret Spice: A Tale of Garlic and Rice

25 September, 2024

So last year, my husband and I decided to buy a house on a mortgage. On top of that, I got the wonderful news that I was expecting a baby, which brought immense joy to both our families. Occasionally, we’d receive calls from our parents, congratulating us.

My mother-in-law, out of concern for her pregnant daughter-in-law, decided to take over the household chores. I didn’t think this was necessary, as I could still manage despite feeling a little tired. Moreover, I wasn’t used to living with my mother-in-law, and I was worried that conflicts would arise, so I wasn’t very comfortable with the idea. However, my husband was delighted.

I felt too awkward to refuse, as I didn’t want my mother-in-law to feel unappreciated. I was afraid she’d think her daughter-in-law didn’t need her. But as it turned out, living together only highlighted the vast generational gap between us. My mother-in-law is a meticulous and tidy person, so she’d nag whenever the house was a little messy. On the other hand, I prefer a more relaxed approach to housekeeping. I’d clean when I felt like it, and I didn’t mind a bit of clutter when I was tired.

I prefer simple meals, whereas she enjoys cooking elaborate dishes. (Illustration)

The biggest difference, however, was in our cooking styles. I like to keep meals simple, but she loves to prepare intricate dishes that take a long time. She often scolds me for liking instant noodles and biscuits, saying they’re not nutritious. So, she’d spend hours preparing stews and braised dishes that are supposedly healthier.

I have to admit, though, that her cooking is delicious, and only occasionally do I find a dish that doesn’t suit my taste. Once, I saw her putting garlic cloves into the rice bin, and I blurted out:

– “Mom, why are you doing that? If you want to store garlic, hang it in a cool, ventilated place. Don’t put it in the rice bin!”

The daughter-in-law criticized her mother-in-law’s unusual behavior. (Illustration)

Although she didn’t say anything, I could tell from her expression that she wasn’t pleased. She simply explained that she was doing it to keep the rice safe from insects and mold. Feeling embarrassed, I decided to look into it and soon discovered that she was right! Garlic is an effective way to keep pests away from rice. I felt ashamed for judging her too quickly and vowed to be more thoughtful before speaking in the future.

I also learned that there are multiple ways to keep rice fresh and pest-free, and garlic is just one of them.

Here are some additional tips for those who want to keep their rice free from pests:

1. Use Garlic: Place a few unpeeled garlic cloves in different spots within the rice container. Garlic has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. As the garlic scent permeates the container, it creates an environment hostile to rice pests.

Ensure that the rice container is dry, clean, and sealed. Keep it away from moisture to prevent the rice from becoming damp and moldy. Store the container in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.

2. Use Dried Orange Peels: After enjoying a fresh orange, don’t discard the peel! Instead, dry it in the sun or an oven. Once completely dry, place the peels in various spots within the rice container. The essential oils in the orange peel emit a scent that repels insects. Additionally, the orange peel infuses the rice with a pleasant fragrance, enhancing the flavor of the cooked rice.

3. Use Black Peppercorns: To fortify your rice against insect invasions, prepare a few bags of whole black peppercorns or dried pepper flakes. Use porous fabric, like muslin, to create small sachets, ensuring the peppercorns remain inside while allowing their aroma to escape. Place one sachet at the bottom of the rice container, another in the middle, and a third on top of the rice.

Then, securely close the lid. This method effectively deters rice weevils and other pests. Black peppercorns are rich in natural antioxidants and emit a unique aroma that insects find repulsive. However, over time, the peppercorns will lose their potency, so remember to replace them periodically.

Note: If you discover that your rice has already been infested with weevils, don’t throw it away! Place the affected rice in a sealed bag and freeze it for 24 hours. The freezing temperature will kill the weevils. Afterward, thaw the rice, and the dead weevils will float to the surface, making it easy to rinse them away.