012: JASMINE CITRUS RICE

🕊️ Crane Air Rice — The Still Feather Scroll

Archetype: The Crane — grace through restraint, clarity in simplicity.

💡 Why This Works

Steam + zest + herbs = aromatic lift without heaviness. Each grain stays distinct, lightly perfumed—pure, meditative nourishment.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Total: 18–22 min
• Effort: Very low (RPE 2/10)
• Gear: Lidded saucepan or rice cooker

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Soft jasmine, citrus whisper, herb breeze, a feather of white pepper.

🥣 What It Is

Lightly zested jasmine rice steamed with bay and finished with herbs, sesame oil, and white pepper—a quiet base or a standalone bowl.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• Rice: 1 cup (190 g) jasmine rice, rinsed until water runs mostly clear
• Liquid: 1⅓ cups (315 ml) water (or per cooker guidelines)
• Aromatics: 1 small bay leaf • 2 wide strips lemon or yuzu zest (no pith) • pinch fine salt
• Finish: 1 tsp toasted sesame oil • 1–2 tbsp finely sliced scallion or chive • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley • a pinch white pepper
• Optional lift: ½ tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

✍️ Method

1. Rinse: Swirl and drain rice 2–3× until water is mostly clear; drain well.
2. Cook: Combine rice, water, bay, zest, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, reduce to low; cook 12 minutes. Turn off heat; rest 5 minutes covered.
3. Fluff & finish: Remove bay and zest. Fluff with a fork. Fold in sesame oil, herbs, and white pepper. Add a few drops vinegar/lemon if desired.
4. Serve: Bowl softly; let steam rise like a calm breath.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Ultra-light: Swap sesame oil for a few drops of neutral oil or skip entirely.
• Herb swap: Dill or mint works; keep it minimal (air, not garden).
• Rice cooker: Add aromatics with rice + water; finish the same way.

📦 Storage

• Cool quickly; refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat covered with a teaspoon of water over low heat.

📜 Lore / Origin

The crane lands without a sound. This rice follows: warm, clear, and light—air touching earth.

🌺 Benefits

• Gentle fuel: easy on digestion, steady energy
• Calming aroma: citrus & herbs quiet the senses
• Versatile base: pairs with broths, veggies, or stands alone

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Texture & Authenticity: 20/20
• Time & Cleanup: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Feather-light, sky-clear.