Basic Chinese Chicken Soup Stock (Soup Base)

Ingredient Name:  Malt

Traditional Chinese Name: 麥芽 (Mài yá)

What is this?

• Part of wheats
• The product by which “malting” produces a certain grain (processed)
• Grains are harvested and soaked in water to allow germination – which turns the starches into sugar
• They are then baked on high heat and thus producing malt
• There are a variety of malts available for consumption such as in the product of certain alcoholic beverages (whiskey, beer)

How do I prepare it?

• Rinse in warm water before soup usage

Where can I buy this?

Available in most supermarkets and speciality stores in packages

What is the cost?

• Extremely affordable
• A few dollars for a few grams (HKD) – but still more expensive than just rice

Any benefits?

Malt is an easily disgested ingredient for humans (as its carbohydrates are already broken down)
High content water
Malt contains magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamins A, B, D and E
Contains folic acid that is essential for prengnant women
Has no fat

Any precautions?

• It is relatively more expensive for an extract of what due to its increased processing

References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malt