What is millet porridge yellowing

The yellowing floating matter on the surface of millet porridge is usually rice oil, which is formed by the separation of starch and fat in millet during cooking, which is a normal phenomenon. This type of substance mainly includes natural oils released by millet, a small amount of protein, and gelatinized starch, which are harmless to health and have certain nutritional value. During the long-term boiling process of millet, the cell wall gradually ruptures, and the internal starch granules are gelatinized by heat and combine with water to form a viscous substance. Fat components will float to the surface of Congee due to low density, and may condense into thin films after cooling. The color depth of rice oil is related to the variety of millet, planting environment, and storage time. Fresh millet often produces light yellow rice oil, while aged rice may have a darker color. Some people mistakenly believe that this is a phenomenon of spoilage, but in fact it is the result of the precipitation of natural pigments such as carotenoids in millet. In rare cases, yellow floating objects may be caused by improper storage leading to mold growth. If the millet porridge has pungent musty taste, yellow green plaque or filamentous substances, it may breed harmful microorganisms such as Aspergillus flavus, and should be stopped eating at this time. The difference between normal rice oil and moldy products is that the former has a fragrant and evenly distributed odor, while the latter often has clumps and is accompanied by a strange smell.

It is recommended to choose fresh and plump millet. When washing, pay attention to removing floating dust, as excessive scrubbing will lose surface nutrients. When cooking porridge, use casserole or thick bottom pan to simmer slowly over low heat, which helps to fully release rice oil. Individuals with weak digestive function and those who have recovered after surgery can consume a moderate amount of upper layer rice oil, which has a protective effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa due to its easily absorbable nature. If you have doubts about the yellow substance, you can observe whether there are insect or mold marks on the Xiaomi raw materials to ensure the freshness of the ingredients.