Rice cracker

Senbei rice crackers

A Rice cracker is a Japanese snack made from rice. The traditional rice crackers are called Senbei (せんべい) and arare (あられ).^[1] Depending on type, they are made from glutenous or non-glutenous rice.^[1]

Types

Crackers made from glutenous rice are called arare or okaki. They have a soft texture and easily dissolve in the mouth. Senbei are crackers made from non-glutinous rice and are hard with a coarse texture.^[1] Arare rice crackers are often coated with spices, soy sauce or other flavorings.^[2]

History

Rice crackers have a very old history. They originated during the time of the Han Dynasty (c. 202 BC).^[3] The first Senbei description is in 737. It was a mixture of flour and rice cooked in oil. The first modern rice cracker is called Soka Senbei.^[4]

References

1. Asian Foods: Science and Technology, eds. Catharina Y.W. Ang; Keshun Liu; Yao-Wen Huang (Lancaster, PA: Technomic Publishing Company, Inc., 1999), pp. 6–7
2. Cereals Processing Technology, ed. G. Owens (Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing, 2001), p. 97
3. "Learn fun". 金吾堂製菓のこだわり (Kingo-do confectionery). Archived from the original on 2 January 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
4. "草加せんべいの歴史と現在 (Soka rice cracker of history and current)". 草加市役所 (Soka City Hall). Archived from the original on 30 May 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2015.