Rice kernels from beyond the Great Wall

Last updated 2026-10-19 — Rice kernels, also known as Job's tears kernels or Yi kernels, are the seeds of the plant Coix lacryma-jobi, which belongs to the grass family. Both the seeds and roots have medicinal properties, and because the plant resembles corn in appearance, some growing regions also refer to Job's tears as "medicinal corn." The Job's tears kernels produced in the mountainous areas of eastern Liaoning and the northern plains, though not abundant in quantity, are of exceptional quality, and are renowned as the "Rice Kernels from Beyond the Great Wall." They are considered one of Liaoning’s local specialty products. These rice kernels are plump, white, and clean in appearance, with a soft and glutinous texture when eaten. Rich in starch, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, and other nutrients, they serve as a nourishing delicacy. Aside from being consumed directly, they can also be used in winemaking. Every part of the Job's tears plant is valuable—the stems and leaves can be used to make paper, while the roots and seeds have medicinal uses.