Jiuzhan Red Glutinous Rice

Jiuzhan Red Glutinous Rice

　　Red glutinous rice is a type of rice with a purplish-red bran layer. Because the rice itself is glutinous in texture, it is called "red glutinous." Naturally occurring red glutinous rice gradually takes on a purplish-red hue when soaked in warm water, as the red pigment from the bran slowly dissolves. Over time, the color intensifies. Once cooked, the red bran separates from the endosperm (the rice grain). Fake red glutinous rice is made by coloring low-quality white rice with a purplish-red dye. The most obvious difference is that when soaked in water, the fake version rapidly turns the water red—much faster than genuine red glutinous rice. After a few washes, the true white nature of the rice is revealed, and when cooked, no red bran appears.

　　 　Authentic red glutinous rice is highly nutritious and believed to have blood-enriching properties. In ancient times, it was a delicacy reserved exclusively for royalty and nobility.