Revitalize Your Health with a Traditional Chinese Herbs Sweet Rice Wine How to Make It at Home

Introduction:

Sweet rice wine, also known as Baijiu or Liquor of the Gods, has been a treasured beverage in Chinese culture for centuries. Not only does it add a unique flavor to various dishes, but it also offers numerous health benefits. One of the most popular varieties is the herbal sweet rice wine, which combines the goodness of sweet rice with the therapeutic properties of Chinese herbs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your very own herbal sweet rice wine at home, allowing you to enjoy its health benefits and delightful taste.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of sweet rice

- 1 kg of regular rice

- 200g of rock sugar

- 100g of Chinese herbs (e.g., goji berries, red dates, ginger, etc.)

- 1 packet of commercial yeast (or 10g of active dry yeast)

- 1 cup of water

- A clean, sterilized fermentation jar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice:

Wash the sweet rice and regular rice separately in a colander until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 2-3 hours, then drain thoroughly.

2. Soak the Chinese herbs:

In a separate bowl, soak the Chinese herbs in water for about 30 minutes. This will help to release their flavors and therapeutic properties.

3. Cook the rice:

Combine the soaked sweet rice and regular rice in a pot. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

4. Prepare the fermentation mixture:

While the rice is cooling, mix the rock sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Gradually add warm water (not hot) to dissolve the sugar and yeast, stirring until fully combined. This mixture will act as a starter for the fermentation process.

5. Combine the rice and herbs:

In a clean, sterilized fermentation jar, add the cooked rice and the soaked Chinese herbs. Stir gently to combine.

6. Add the fermentation mixture:

Once the rice is at room temperature, add the yeast mixture to the jar. Mix well, ensuring that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the rice and herbs.

7. Cover and ferment:

Cover the fermentation jar with a clean cloth or a lid, ensuring that it is airtight. Place the jar in a warm, dark place where it will remain undisturbed for 1-2 weeks. During this time, the rice will ferment and transform into a delicious sweet rice wine.

8. Taste and bottle:

After 1-2 weeks, taste a small amount of the wine to check its flavor. If it has reached the desired sweetness and potency, strain the wine through a fine sieve to remove any remaining rice particles and herbs. Transfer the wine to clean, sterilized bottles and seal tightly.

9. Age and enjoy:

Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for at least a month before enjoying. The longer you age the wine, the more robust its flavors will become.

Conclusion:

Making your own herbal sweet rice wine is a rewarding experience that allows you to harness the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine in a delicious beverage. Not only will you enjoy the unique taste of this homemade concoction, but you'll also be taking a step towards improving your health. Cheers to your homemade herbal sweet rice wine!