On Sunday, a Cuban Instagram user known as @Las_Cosas_de_Lulu captured widespread attention with a humorous 13-second video suggesting inventive ways to use the glutinous rice donated by China amidst Cuba's ongoing crisis.
The young woman amusingly shares that a Chinese friend described the rice as delightful when stuffed with meat. However, given the lack of protein availability in Cuba, she humorously suggests that the rice could instead be used to "fill holes in walls, make slime, or serve as glue for crafts."
The brief clip quickly garnered over 124,000 views, 12,700 likes, and 604 comments, making it one of the most-discussed videos regarding Cuba’s food crisis on social media.
"Finally, a Chinese friend explained how to use the donated rice. For those unaware, they are called origini, fantuán, and zongzi. In China, they're filled with meat and seaweed, making a fantastic meal. Here in Cuba, if you're out of cement, you can use it to patch those wall holes that need repair. You can also use it for slime or as glue in art classes," she commented.
Despite the humorous take, many Cubans expressed appreciation for the Asian product, noting that washing it more than five times removes the starch, leaving the rice perfectly "fluffy and spectacular," as preferred on the island. Some lamented that the Chinese rice hadn't been distributed in their area.
Comments such as "Delicious in rice pudding" and "I love it, and my baby eats it very well" highlighted the popularity of the Chinese product in Cuba, where the humanitarian and food access crisis continues to escalate to unprecedented levels.
Understanding the Impact of Chinese Donated Rice in Cuba
What are some alternative uses for glutinous rice in Cuba?
In Cuba, glutinous rice can creatively be used to fill wall gaps, make slime, or as adhesive for crafts, due to the lack of traditional culinary ingredients.
How can the donated rice be prepared for consumption?
Cubans have found that washing the rice over five times helps remove the starch, allowing it to be cooked to a preferred fluffy consistency.
Why is the Chinese rice popular in Cuba despite the crisis?
The Chinese rice is appreciated for its versatility and ability to adapt to local culinary traditions, making it a valuable resource during the severe food crisis.