See previous article: Part 1
In order to make some sticky-rice
cake, or Mochi, next step is to find, the main ingredient of mochi; mochi rice!
Main Ingredient : Sweet Rice!
Mochi rice is also called sticky
rice, or sweet rice. The unique property of this type of rice is they become very
sticky when cooked. They are often found in Asian market.
We live in New Zealand, and we
first looked for some sweet rice in the local supermarket. Online search
earlier suggested that sweet rice from Sunrice brand is available in some
areas, but this did not apply to our area.
Japan Mart Sells Sweet Rice in NZ
So we went to a local Japan Mart,
where they sell various food and food ingredients for Japanese cuisine. There
are many Japan Mart branches in Auckland, such as in central city, Silvia park,
Manukau city, and in Henderson.
You can check their website (https://japanmart.co.nz/onlineshop/)
for their products and locations.
We went to the Japan Mart in
Henderson, which is located inside Westfield shopping mall. Unfortunately on
that day, they did not sell Japanese sweet rice. But a good news for us was
that they did sell sweet rice that was produced in United states.
Sweet Rice from U.S.
This is the sweet rice imported
from U.S. It is sold as sweet rice, brand name DAICHI. Daichi in Japanese means
earth, so I would imagine someone who has knowledge or even a close relationship
with Japan is producing this rice in U.S.
Apparently it is produced in California. I wonder
if people in U.S. will be able to purchase these cheaper? It cost us 15 NZD for 2.2㎏ bag.
There were fine, short-grain rice grains packed
inside the bag.
Appearance of Sweet Rice and Regular Rice
Sweet rice differs in appearance from regular rice
such that, sweet rice grains appear more opaque and white. In comparison, regular rice
would appear only half opaque and half transparent.
On this photo above and below, ones on the right
are sweet rice, ones on the left are regular sushi rice from SunRice brand.
From appearance, it is reassuring that these are
authentic sweet rice, which should produce good mochi. As preparation, I washed
three cups of sweet rice with water, then soaked them in water overnight.
We are READY to Make Mochi Now!
Now we are ready to make mochi, with home bakery
appliance!
To be continued -> Part 3
