Mochigome rice is steamed and then processed by repeated smashing by traditional hammers or modern machines. Mochi's ingredients are so simple it's downright impressive. Put simply, short grain Japanese mochigome rice has a special carbohydrate which gives it a gooey texture and makes it prime for pounding into gelatinous balls of mochi. Short grain, glutinous rice " contains the highest amount of amylopectin and no amylose," and becomes sticky or gelatinous when boiled and doughy when steamed. Medium grain rice contains more amylopectin than long grain, which gives it a creamier texture. In contrast, amylopectin is highly soluble and sticky when cooked. Long grain, Western rice is high in amylose. Technically speaking rice is made of two starches:Īmylose is less soluble in water and as a result is less sticky when cooked. No, it's a special short grain glutinous mochigome もち米 ( ごめ ) rice. But mochi rice isn't your average, everyday grain. The answer lies in its main ingredient: the rice. But what gives it that unique, delicious consistency? Mochi's gooey texture sets it apart from other sweets. Before we proceed, let's take a moment to break down the essential elements of the Japanese rice cake, because, as you'll see, there are some imitators. Sometimes it's hard as a rock, sometimes it's soft and gooey. Mochi can be difficult to define because it takes so many forms. A Little Disclaimer (Mochi Might Kill You).Japanese School Mochi Parties (Rich's Experience).Delicious, delicious answers.įrom here, I began my mochi quest, searching Japan for the most delectable treats, as well as information on what makes Japanese rice cakes different from the "mochi ice cream" you find at Trader Joe's. What was this ball made of? How did it get its gooey texture? I wanted answers. I had never tasted or seen anything like mochi 餅 ( もち ). "In Japan we call it mochi," my friend said with a smile. And yet, as I took my first bite, the soft texture both impressed and confused me. It wasn't fluffy and had no frosting or cream. 餅(もち) sticky rice cakeĪt first glance, calling the white ball a "cake" seemed like a stretch. "What, you've never eaten rice cake before?" he responded, incredulously. A friend offered me what I thought was a wax ball.
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