Roasted rice

White rice toasted in a dry wok until golden and fragrant. Steeped in hot water it becomes 炒米茶, and since cold water is avoided after a birth many people drink this all month. Red dates and goji can go in with it.

TCM properties

Nature · warming　Flavour · sweet　Meridians · spleen、stomach

Traditional food therapy

In food therapy roasted rice settles the stomach and eases thirst; it is the commonest everyday drink of the month.

Cautions: read first

• Taken too far it turns bitter; off the heat as soon as it is golden.

Preparation

Toast in a dry wok over medium-low heat until golden; a tablespoon to a cup of boiling water, steeped five minutes.

Origin

Toasted at home in Cantonese households rather than bought ready-made. Made from ordinary supermarket rice; there is nothing special to buy

Availability in Australia

Common at Asian grocers

Pairs well with