Rediscovering Rice Wines through Postpartum Food

As I navigated the delicate postpartum period known as "confinement" years ago, I found myself enveloped in the warmth and wisdom of traditional Chinese confinement food, especially through rice wines. My knowledge of glutinous cooking wines was limited to Shaoxing rice wines, but my mother-in-law introduced me to a whole new world of using glutinous rice wine. Among the myriad of dishes that graced my table, Hong Zao Chicken and Pig Trotters' Vinegar not only captivated my palate but also embodied the essence of recovery and renewal.

As a mother of 4, a sister among 11 other siblings, as well as the co-founder of Ye Traditions, a brand that promotes time-honored wisdom and recipes for modern wellness, I thought I would dive into the pivotal role of postpartum food, guided by my personal journey.

The Healing Power of Confinement Food

Confinement food, with its emphasis on warmth, nutrition, and balance, became my daily ritual. My mother-in-law would add ingredients like ginger, believed to dispel cold and warm the body, and sesame oil, with its nurturing essence, were staples in my diet. Finally, rice wine, was also added to it. These foods, rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, offered me joy and an understanding that these are time-tested rituals for women.  

My Anchor: Red Rice Wine (Hong Zao) Chicken

Among the various dishes, Hong Zao Chicken Soup  (红糟鸡汤）emerged as my anchor. This dish, with its rich, aromatic flavors of ginger and the unique sweetness of red glutinous wine, was not just food for the body, but also for the soul. The tender chicken, marinated and cooked with meticulous care by my mother-in-law daily, provided the essential proteins for tissue repair, while the warmth of the ginger and wine invigorated my senses, encouraging healing from within. Of course my husband, and later my kids would secretly take from me when I went through my postpartum recovery of their new sibling. 

My confinement journey, though decades ago, was a profound experience that transcended mere dietary practices. When other mothers ask me about what to eat during this period, it makes me happy to share this journey of healing, reflection, and connection. Confinement food, especially the nurturing embrace of Hong Zao Chicken, became not just a part of my postpartum recovery but a cherished memory of my transition into motherhood.

If you have any questions, just reach out and let us know, I would love to share this beautiful journey with you!