麯 (qū) - Ferment & yeast

麯Tone 1

qū ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

情仁

麯 · qū

Ferment;

yeast;

malt;

distiller's yeast;

leaven;

also refers to fermented grains used in brewing alcoholic beverages.

Fermentyeastmalt

Usage highlights

Wine yeastMaltFermentation starterYeast powderKoji moldDistiller's yeast

Synonyms

  • 曲— Simplified form of 麯; ferment, yeast
  • 酵母— yeast
  • 酒母— distiller's yeast

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Brewers use yeast (麯) to make alcohol.
  • This bread uses natural leaven (麯).
  • Traditional Chinese wine production relies on fermentation starters (酒麯).
  • The koji mold (麯菌) is essential for sake brewing.

Collocations

  • Wine yeast(酒麯)
  • Malt(麦麯)
  • Fermentation starter(麯种)
  • Yeast powder(麯粉)
  • Koji mold(麯菌)
  • Distiller's yeast(麯霉)

Idioms

  • Fermentation process(麯酵过程)
  • Yeast cultivation(麯菌培养)
  • Malt transformation(麯化作用)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Crucial in traditional Chinese brewing and fermentation techniques dating back thousands of years.
  • Essential component in production of baijiu, huangjiu, soy sauce, and vinegar.
  • Represents ancient Chinese biotechnology and food preservation methods.

FAQ