Malipo Puffed Rice

Malipo Puffed Rice

　　Puffed rice is quite common in Malipo, especially in rural areas. It is also frequently made in Zhuang and Dai communities. There are generally two production methods: one involves collecting nearly ripe rice grains, drying them, hulling to extract broken grains, roasting them until fragrant, mixing with sugar, pressing into molds, air-drying, cutting into pieces, and packaging; the other involves soaking sticky rice, steaming it until cooked, pounding it into flattened grains, roasting until fragrant, mixing with sugar, pressing into molds, air-drying, cutting into pieces, and packaging. The puffed rice is fragrant, sweet, crispy, and crunchy, with an excellent texture. It is a staple food during festivals and holidays, as well as a popular gift when visiting relatives and friends.