What Is Glutinous Rice Flour?
Glutinous rice flour is a type of flour made from short-grained sticky rice. This variety of rice is very common in Asia, encompassing up to 85 percent of total rice production in Laos. Used as a sauce thickener or as a binding agent in baked goods, glutinous rice flour is known for its ability to withstand both refrigeration and freezing with no breakdown of the product. The flour itself is powdery, white and unparalleled in absorption. The chewy, elastic quality of the dough makes it a popular base for the creation of pastries and sweets throughout Asia, as it is able to withstand the heat and humidity common throughout the Southeast and the bitter cold that can be found in the Northwest. As a gluten-free flour, it is gaining popularity in the Western world, particularly for those who are required to maintain a wheat-free diet.
