Yunnan Tribute Rice

Yunnan Tribute Rice

　　Yunnan’s tribute rice refers to the rice historically presented as an offering to the imperial court by local government officials. The tribute rice includes purple rice, Zhefang rice, and Babao rice. Purple rice is a type of glutinous rice. It has a deep purple-black color, a sweet and fragrant taste, is sticky yet not greasy, and is produced in the Mojiang area. It was an imperial tribute during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Zhefang rice is a soft-textured rice with a lustrous, jade-like white color and large, long grains. It is produced in Humin Village, Yunwu Society, Zhefang Township, Zhaguo County. Cooked Zhefang rice is fragrant, soft, and delicious, with a slightly oily mouthfeel and rich in nutrition. It does not harden when cooled but tends to clump together. It was a tribute rice during the Qing Dynasty. Babao rice is renowned for its eight great qualities: strong aroma, sweet and mellow flavor, rich oiliness, large grains, smooth texture, beautiful appearance and color, fast maturation, and high yield. Babao rice is grown along the Babao River in two Miao ethnic villages in the Babao Township of Guangnan County. It has been offered as tribute rice throughout various dynasties.