Fermented rice is considered hot and should not be consumed by individuals with a hot constitution, those who frequently experience acne, a red tongue without coating, or a yellow tongue coating, and yellow urine…
Fermented rice (also known as “rượu cái”) is made from sticky rice. This dish is prepared by cooking sticky rice until fully cooked, allowing it to cool, and then fermenting it with yeast for 3-4 days. The resulting product has a spicy, sweet flavor and a distinct strong aroma of alcohol, along with a slightly moist texture due to the rice releasing water.
Fermented rice is an essential dish during the Đoan Ngọ Festival (5th day of the 5th lunar month).
Depending on the type of rice used, there are various kinds of fermented rice such as:
- Black sticky rice (nếp cẩm)
- Brown sticky rice (nếp lứt)
- Yellow flower sticky rice (nếp cái hoa vàng)
- White sticky rice (nếp trắng)
In Vietnam, fermented rice is an indispensable food during the Đoan Ngọ Festival (5th day of the 5th lunar month). It is a common belief that consuming fermented rice early in the morning on this day helps eliminate pests, such as worms and parasites from the body, thanks to its spicy, hot, and sour properties. This cultural practice continues to be upheld today.
In reality, the habit of eating fermented rice not only holds spiritual significance but is also widely enjoyed throughout the year due to its many health benefits.
Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Thắng, Head of the Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at People’s Hospital 115 in Ho Chi Minh City, states that fermented rice is a characteristic dish during the Đoan Ngọ Festival, along with various other regional specialties.
According to traditional medicine, fermented rice is classified as hot. The Đoan Ngọ Festival on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is considered the peak of Yang energy, a day when pests proliferate, including the parasites residing in the human body. On this day, people often eat fermented rice to prevent the growth of parasites inside them. Additionally, it encourages everyone to catch pests harming crops.
During the Đoan Ngọ Festival, people often eat fermented rice to prevent parasites from developing in the body. (Photo: Vũ Minh Quân).
According to Dr. Thắng, fermented rice has a hot nature, thus it is not advisable for individuals with a hot constitution. In traditional medicine, a person with a hot constitution lacks balance between Yin and Yang, where the Yin cannot control the Yang, leading to an excess of heat.
This condition often manifests as a feeling of warmth, restlessness, insomnia, frequent acne, a red tongue without coating or a yellow tongue coating, and yellow urine… In traditional medicine, there is a saying, “heat meets heat leads to madness.” Individuals exhibiting these symptoms should avoid eating fermented rice as it may exacerbate their condition. For younger individuals, consuming fermented rice may lead to more acne.
“Scientifically, numerous studies on fermented rice have documented its benefits in reducing bad blood fats, improving cardiovascular function, and regulating blood pressure…”, Dr. Thắng shares. This aligns with cardiologists’ advice to consume red wine in moderation, one glass a day, to improve cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Thắng mentions that besides consuming fermented rice, traditional medicine encourages people to harvest medicinal herbs on this day, considering it a peak Yang day when medicinal plants thrive and are most effective. For instance, mulberry leaves picked during the Đoan Ngọ Festival can help alleviate eye ailments and enhance eyesight.
The Best Ways to Enjoy Fermented Rice
Although this dish is very delicious and nutritious, if not consumed properly, its wonderful effects may diminish.
Eat fermented rice in its pure form, either directly after fermentation or chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours to enhance the refreshing sensation when enjoying it. If you prefer sweetness, you can add a little sugar to mellow its characteristic spiciness.
Ferment rice together with whole eggs (piercing the ends of the eggs with a needle) and bury them for about 3 months to create an incredibly nutritious dish, especially beneficial for postpartum women to recover quickly and improve their complexion.
Combining fermented rice with yogurt is a popular dish nowadays. The unique flavor of fermented rice mixed with the sweet and tangy, creamy taste of yogurt provides diners with an unforgettable experience.
In addition to eating directly or pairing it with some foods as mentioned above, fermented rice is also commonly used in various delicious dishes such as chicken hotpot with fermented rice, steamed fish with fermented rice, sautéed shrimp with fermented rice, and braised duck with fermented rice…
