Description
East Asian fermentation starter
Technical
Jiuqu, also simply known as qu, is a type of dried fermentation starter used in the production of traditional Chinese alcoholic beverages. The word jiuqu specifically refers to a type of yeast used to make alcohol such as huangjiu, baijiu and jiuniang.
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
fruityfloralearthyherbalyeasty
Wine Analogy
Similar to the role of grape must in winemaking
Coffee Analogy
Comparable to the starter culture in coffee fermentation
Perfume Analogy
Resembles the complex bouquet of artisanal perfumes with floral and earthy notes
Culinary Applications
Shaoxing wineChinaPrimary fermentation starter for this iconic rice wine
MijiuTaiwanKey ingredient in traditional rice alcohol production
MakgeolliKoreaUsed in the nuruk fermentation process for this milky rice wine
Dietary
VeganVegetarianHalalKosherwheat (in some varieties)