Sikhye

Infobox Korean name

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"Sikhye" (also spelled "shikhye" or "shikeh"; also occasionally termed "dansul" or "gamju") is a traditional sweet Korean rice beverage, usually served as a dessert. In addition to its liquid ingredients, "sikhye" also contains grains of cooked rice, and in some cases pine nuts.

Preparations

"Sikhye" is made by pouring malt water onto cooked rice. The malt water steeps in the rice at typically 150 degrees Fahrenheit until grains of rice appear on the surface. The liquid is then carefully poured out, leaving the rougher parts, and boiled with sugar. Ginger or jujube are often added for additional flavor. It is served chilled. In South Korea and in Korean grocery stores wherever Korean communities are found, "sikhye" is readily available in cans or plastic bottles. One of the largest South Korean producers of "sikhye" is the Vilac company of Busan. Atypical of most canned beverages, each can has a residue of cooked rice at the bottom. Homemade "sikhye" is often served after a meal in a Korean restaurant.

There are several regional variations of "sikhye". These include Andong "sikhye" and "yeonyeop sikhye" or "yeonyeopju", a variety of "sikhye" made in Gangwon province. Andong "sikhye" differs in that it also includes radishes, carrots, and powdered red pepper. Also, it is fermented for several days as opposed to one. It is important to note that the crunchy texture of the radish is kept despite the longer fermentation process, since a soft texture would indicate an inferior product. Whereas the sweet canned or restaurant sikhye is enjoyed as a dessert beverage, Andong sikhye is appreciated as a digestive aid.

Names

"Sikhye" is also referred to by the names "dansul" (단술) and "gamju" (감주; ). Both of these names mean "sweet wine." However, they are also used to refer to a different, slightly alcoholic rice drink called "gamju".

ee also

*Amazake
*Gamju
*Sungnyung
*Vilac
*Korean cuisine
*Korean tea
*Plant milk
*Rice milk
*Sujeonggwa

External links

* [http://tradehelper.or.kr/catalog/ViewLargeImage.jsp?catalogId=C2004-0000012327&sel= Picture]
* [http://100.naver.com/100.nhn?docid=101247 Naver Encyclopedia article, in Korean]
* [http://www.netcooks.com/recipes/Beverages/Shikhye.-.Sweet.Rice.Nectar.html Netcooks recipe]
* [http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Food/recipes.cfm#Shikhye Lifeinkorea recipe]