A CLOSER LOOK
How to recognize it
The liquid is separated from the ash solids. Its appearance does not establish composition or suitability for food.
In the kitchen
Used as a setting aid for shenxian leaf jelly and to soak rice and mix with steamed rice when making huangyuan miguo. It is a processing ingredient, not a drink.
Composition varies with the ash and preparation. Do not treat it as interchangeable with commercial lye water, limewater or baking soda.
Ask about this ingredient
这道菜里有草木灰水（传统凝固用）吗？
Does this dish contain Traditional plant-ash water?
A few dishes to explore
These examples use this ingredient in typical or optional preparations. Open the dish to see the distinction; a restaurant’s recipe can differ.
