Baijiu
Baijiu
Baijiu (pronunciation: bye-joe, from Chinese: 白酒; pinyin: báijiǔ, literally: 'white (clear) liquor'), is a type of alcoholic beverage originating from China. It is often referred to as Chinese vodka due to its high alcohol content, typically ranging from 35% to 60% by volume.
Etymology
The term "Baijiu" is derived from the Chinese words "bai" (白) meaning white or clear, and "jiu" (酒) meaning alcohol or liquor. Thus, Baijiu translates to 'white liquor' or 'clear alcohol'.
Production
Baijiu is made from fermentation of a grain mash, usually Sorghum, although other grains such as Wheat, Rice, and Corn can also be used. The fermentation process involves the use of a starter culture known as qu.
Varieties
There are several varieties of Baijiu, each with its unique flavor profile and production method. These include Moutai, Erguotou, and Fenjiu among others.
Consumption
Baijiu is traditionally consumed straight in small shots during meals or celebrations. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine and cooking.
Related Terms
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.