Fermented Red Rice

Red yeast rice is made with fermented common rice (Oryza sativa) by a special kind of yeast, Monascus purpureus, or rather, red yeast. This special rice owes its name to the characteristic colour which is due to Monascus purpureus. During fermentation, this yeast is enriched with a number of substances, including monacolin K.  In fact, the fermented red rice contains monacolin K, which helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels in the blood.