Hongzao, also known as red yeast rice, is a traditional Chinese ingredient made by fermenting rice with Monascus purpureus yeast. It is often used for its potential health benefits and as a natural food coloring.

What does hongzao taste like?

Hongzao has a distinct, mild, and slightly tangy flavor. It also offers a subtle sweetness.

What is the nutritional value of hongzao?

Hongzao contains several nutrients and compounds, including monacolin K (which can help regulate cholesterol levels), sterols, isoflavones, and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Is hongzao safe to consume?

Yes, when consumed in moderate quantities, hongzao is safe. However, it should be avoided by individuals with liver disease or taking certain medications due to its monacolin K content.

What are the health benefits of hongzao?

Hongzao is often used to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, improve circulation, and aid digestion.

How is hongzao typically used in recipes?

Hongzao is used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and as a natural food colouring.

Does hongzao need to be cooked before eating?

Usually, hongzao is used as an ingredient in cooking and is typically not consumed raw.

What is the shelf life of hongzao?

When stored properly in a cool, dry place, hongzao can last for up to two years.

What is the right amount of hongzao to use in a dish?

The amount of hongzao used depends on the specific recipe. However, because of its strong flavor, it's often used sparingly.

What are some common dishes made with hongzao?

Hongzao is often used in Chinese medicinal soups, red yeast rice wine, and in the marinade for Peking Duck, among other dishes.

Can hongzao be consumed every day?

Hongzao can be consumed daily in moderate amounts, unless you have specific health conditions like liver disease or are taking certain medications.

What is hongzao commonly substituted with in recipes?

There are no exact substitutes for hongzao. Beets could be used for red colour, but the unique flavor of hongzao would be missing.

Does hongzao contain gluten?

Hongzao itself does not contain gluten. However, it's always recommended to check packaging labels for potential cross-contamination.

Is hongzao vegan and vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, hongzao is made from fermented rice and yeast, making it well-suited for vegetarians and vegans.

What is the English name for hongzao?

The English name for hongzao is red yeast rice.

Where can I buy hongzao?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

FAQ

Are there Asian supermarkets in U.S.?

Yes! At SayWeee you'll find your Asian grocery items in our Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Indian and Thai stores. Get your favorite Asian products delivered to U.S. without leaving home.

What is the minimum order for free shipping?

Free shipping threshold varies by regions.

Do you have a physical store location?

We are an exclusively online retailer and do not currently have any physical store locations. This helps us keep our prices low.

What are your standard shipping costs and delivery times?

We have free delivery minimum on order over $35. Order minimum varies by regions.

What areas do you deliver to?

We deliver across the entire state. We deliver to all 50 US states.

Where to buy hongzao near me?

Asian American store with
free delivery available*

*Orders above $35, varies by region

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Top 5 products for Hongzao

#1

Sunshine Dried JuJube 5 lb

Opt for the Sunshine Dried JuJube, a versatile ingredient, perfect for enhancing the flavor of your homemade dimsum. This Asian treat, often added to dumplings, provides a boost of sweet-tart flavor. Naturally nutritious, jujube delivers rich fiber and vitamin content. Ideal for frozen food enthusiasts as it can be stored long term.

$14.99 - $20.99

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Very large 5 pound bag. Great for cooking and tea and very fresh.
Mercedes
The logistics service is excellent, and the goods are fresh and clean. I often repurchase from them.
Allen
A large bag that looks very delicious.
lelamkt88
Absolutely HUGE bag! I know it says 5 lbs but I was flabbergasted at the size of this thing. I’ve been using it every day and I love them so far!
Anthony
I've bought these many times. The dates are a good size and not tough. I hope the quality remains consistent.
lucy092011
Great size
傲雪梅花
The bag of red dates was quite large. They were medium-sized, but not dry enough.
spwu8013
Such a big bag??? When I received it and took it out, I was stunned. It's exactly the size of a rice bag. The size isn't huge, but the quality is excellent! I'm buying it without hesitation!!! I can eat it until next year, and you know it's only January 8th, 2026. Friends, see you in 27!
Rebecca Zhou
The Sunshine 100 Corps Red Early grapes I bought this time have large, reddish grains, thick flesh, and small pits. They are very delicious when used for soups and dishes, and they are a favorite of my whole family.
weee.10893779

#2

Weihan Special Grade Seedless Grey Jujube 500 g

This premium seedless grey jujube is a healthy, natural snack rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Its sweet, chewy flavor complements dimsum platters as a dessert or filling, and pairs well with other Asian appetizers for a unique culinary experience.

$9.49 - $11.99

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Clean and convenient, no need to remove pits, easily packaged and stored.
Apple
Convenient packaging. Exp date 10months out is decent.
stlzn
It was delicious and very clean. It was on sale for a little over $6, but I haven't seen it at that price in a while.
weee.10256489
Great pitted red dates! I bought two or three packs; they can be used in porridge or eaten directly. They're great as a snack to replenish blood and energy.
weee.8428846
There are four bags, each 125g in size! They're seedless, and 500g is a lot, so you'll be surprised. They're naturally sweet and delicious!
yokoflores721
Very good quality
christlynnf
Great for gift
hquang430
It kinda big.
hquang430
Clean, tastes good, not sour, individually packaged
Qingzhangy

#3

Big Green Brand Jujube Date

This product is ideal for lovers of Asian cuisine, particularly dim sum, as Jujube dates often feature in such dishes. These dates offer a unique, sweet flavor blending seamlessly with the savoriness of dim sum. Buying frozen saves time on prep, keeping taste and nutrients intact. Jujube dates augment your health-enhancing your digestion and immunity. Enjoy mouthwatering, wholesome meals with ease!

$4.79

Shop now

Fragrant and a must for this chicken soup. The sweetness of the date and the slight tangy flavor or the goji berries really brings together the flavors
Lisanne
The red dates are very fresh and delicious, with natural sweetness. The shelf life is 11/20/25
小旺
Amazing value. So delicious in tea. Will repurchase
ColettaPhillips
I put it in mustard kimchi. The color is really pretty.
Kim
Very good red dates, perfect for making porridge.
Shirley
I like to turn this into tea
weee.14407971
Use it for tea
Marley
Its good made some tea
Nins
Bought it last time, good quality, repurchase
anson
They’re large and of good quality. They’re not pitted but still good at a good price.
kjennee

#4

Premium Top Grade Red Date 8oz/Pack

Red dates add natural sweetness to frozen dim sum sauces, fillings or dessert dips. Their honey‑like flavor pairs with pork or shrimp dumplings, enhancing broth and sweet‑sour glaze. Rich in iron and antioxidants, they boost health while delivering authentic Asian taste.

$10.99

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The red dates are of very good quality! I made longan and red dates tea to nourish my body.
Diana
It’s small and the quality looks great
weee.9474693
Looks good, a little pricey...
shufang369
The quality looks good. Will use for my next soup.
Pineapple
This is my first time buying this brand to make lung nourishing tea! Very satisfied with the quality of this product
Diana
Looks good, and is sweet when eaten directly
xin
Big fruit, small seeds, sweet and delicious, should try
Thuý
I have been eating the dates. The quality is very good. I will buy them again next time!
syang199
Very filling and very well packaged
Vivian
Used to make small hanging pear soup, the jujubes are of very good quality and are also good to eat directly
快乐人生

#5

Tengguan Red Dates

Experience authentic Asian flavors with Tengguan Red Dates, a popular ingredient in dishes like steamed buns, a type of dim sum. These sweet and nutritious fruits add a unique taste that elevates any meal. Buying them frozen ensures they're preserved at their freshest, offering the convenience of having them ready when you need them for your dim sum preparation. They're rich in vitamins and antioxidants, significantly contributing to a healthier diet. Essential for frozen dim sum supplies.

$7.39 - $9.29

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Bought it at a discount, there are four independent packages inside
Fi
Healthy red dates! I like it very much
丽萍
The individual packaging is good, but it is a little small. It is also good as a snack.
中华小当家
There are four small bags, which feels good.
Jie10
First time buying. A large bag is divided into four small bags. After opening the bag, it is not easy to dry out. The red dates are small, but very full, and the core is also small. It is very good to soak in water. Now I make a cup of red date tea every day to calm my nerves and help me sleep
Jin
Women's health care is essential in winter!
许培慧 Jacqueline Xu
The bag intake; the dates are much smaller than I expected
chillitiger73
Red dates, wolfberry, longan, three treasures of women.
吃貨

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Recent service reviews

Sept. 2024

Very good prices, delivery on times of any time I ordered . Good service. Good product. You can find anything's on Weee!

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Customer since 2018

Phoenix, AZ

Jun. 2024

I've hunted all over Connecticut for Asian groceries and they're difficult to find in my area. I love being able to order them on Weee!

Product Variety

Customer since 2020

Connecticut, CT

Apr. 2024

Great customer service. Experienced customer service who answers the phone could always solve problem efficiently.

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Customer since 2023

Washington DC

Jan. 2024

I really appreciate that you work hard to uphold standards of quality. I like the wide variety of products and the ease of shopping with you.

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Customer since 2020

Los Angeles, CA

Frequently asked questions

What is hongzao?
Hongzao, also known as red yeast rice, is a traditional Chinese ingredient made by fermenting rice with Monascus purpureus yeast. It is often used for its potential health benefits and as a natural food coloring.
What is the nutritional value of hongzao?
Hongzao contains several nutrients and compounds, including monacolin K (which can help regulate cholesterol levels), sterols, isoflavones, and monounsaturated fatty acids.
What are the health benefits of hongzao?
Hongzao is often used to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, improve circulation, and aid digestion.
Does hongzao need to be cooked before eating?
Usually, hongzao is used as an ingredient in cooking and is typically not consumed raw.
What is the right amount of hongzao to use in a dish?
The amount of hongzao used depends on the specific recipe. However, because of its strong flavor, it's often used sparingly.
Can hongzao be consumed every day?
Hongzao can be consumed daily in moderate amounts, unless you have specific health conditions like liver disease or are taking certain medications.
Does hongzao contain gluten?
Hongzao itself does not contain gluten. However, it's always recommended to check packaging labels for potential cross-contamination.
What is the English name for hongzao?
The English name for hongzao is red yeast rice.

What does hongzao taste like?
Hongzao has a distinct, mild, and slightly tangy flavor. It also offers a subtle sweetness.
Is hongzao safe to consume?
Yes, when consumed in moderate quantities, hongzao is safe. However, it should be avoided by individuals with liver disease or taking certain medications due to its monacolin K content.
How is hongzao typically used in recipes?
Hongzao is used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and as a natural food colouring.
What is the shelf life of hongzao?
When stored properly in a cool, dry place, hongzao can last for up to two years.
What are some common dishes made with hongzao?
Hongzao is often used in Chinese medicinal soups, red yeast rice wine, and in the marinade for Peking Duck, among other dishes.
What is hongzao commonly substituted with in recipes?
There are no exact substitutes for hongzao. Beets could be used for red colour, but the unique flavor of hongzao would be missing.
Is hongzao vegan and vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, hongzao is made from fermented rice and yeast, making it well-suited for vegetarians and vegans.
Where can I buy hongzao?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Very large 5 pound bag. Great for cooking and tea and very fresh.
Mercedes
The logistics service is excellent, and the goods are fresh and clean. I often repurchase from them.
Allen
A large bag that looks very delicious.
lelamkt88
Absolutely HUGE bag! I know it says 5 lbs but I was flabbergasted at the size of this thing. I’ve been using it every day and I love them so far!
Anthony
I've bought these many times. The dates are a good size and not tough. I hope the quality remains consistent.
lucy092011
Great size
傲雪梅花
The bag of red dates was quite large. They were medium-sized, but not dry enough.
spwu8013
Such a big bag??? When I received it and took it out, I was stunned. It's exactly the size of a rice bag. The size isn't huge, but the quality is excellent! I'm buying it without hesitation!!! I can eat it until next year, and you know it's only January 8th, 2026. Friends, see you in 27!
Rebecca Zhou
The Sunshine 100 Corps Red Early grapes I bought this time have large, reddish grains, thick flesh, and small pits. They are very delicious when used for soups and dishes, and they are a favorite of my whole family.
weee.10893779
Clean and convenient, no need to remove pits, easily packaged and stored.
Apple
Fragrant and a must for this chicken soup. The sweetness of the date and the slight tangy flavor or the goji berries really brings together the flavors
Lisanne
The red dates are very fresh and delicious, with natural sweetness. The shelf life is 11/20/25
小旺
Amazing value. So delicious in tea. Will repurchase
ColettaPhillips
I put it in mustard kimchi. The color is really pretty.
Kim
Very good red dates, perfect for making porridge.
Shirley
I like to turn this into tea
weee.14407971
Use it for tea
Marley
Its good made some tea
Nins
Bought it last time, good quality, repurchase
anson
They’re large and of good quality. They’re not pitted but still good at a good price.
kjennee
The red dates are of very good quality! I made longan and red dates tea to nourish my body.
Diana
It’s small and the quality looks great
weee.9474693
Looks good, a little pricey...
shufang369
The quality looks good. Will use for my next soup.
Pineapple
This is my first time buying this brand to make lung nourishing tea! Very satisfied with the quality of this product
Diana
Looks good, and is sweet when eaten directly
xin
Big fruit, small seeds, sweet and delicious, should try
Thuý
I have been eating the dates. The quality is very good. I will buy them again next time!
syang199
Very filling and very well packaged
Vivian
Used to make small hanging pear soup, the jujubes are of very good quality and are also good to eat directly
快乐人生
Bought it at a discount, there are four independent packages inside
Fi
Healthy red dates! I like it very much
丽萍
The individual packaging is good, but it is a little small. It is also good as a snack.
中华小当家
There are four small bags, which feels good.
Jie10
First time buying. A large bag is divided into four small bags. After opening the bag, it is not easy to dry out. The red dates are small, but very full, and the core is also small. It is very good to soak in water. Now I make a cup of red date tea every day to calm my nerves and help me sleep
Jin
Women's health care is essential in winter!
许培慧 Jacqueline Xu
The bag intake; the dates are much smaller than I expected
chillitiger73
Red dates, wolfberry, longan, three treasures of women.
吃貨
Usual snack in my list pretty good
Yum&Yum
My husband loves dates stuffed with walnuts, so he immediately bought it when he saw the offer.
weee.8111568
Delicious and crispy! I love it!
Hui TingCheng
It’s okay to snack
tuquynhvo1988
I love it. I have repurchased it countless times.
果兰佼
A snack I buy often, it is crunchy and delicious.
lina80924
Super delicious!!! Can't stop eating.
果兰佼
I really like this crispy date, it’s delicious.
lina80924
I like it really cranky and fresh it so yummy
panyasavika
The crispy winter dates are delicious and have no cores. They are crunchy and sweet. I ate them all as soon as I opened a pack.
weee.8395494
Steam and cook sweet soup and add a few
lazytears
Fresh and sweet, want to buy more
ngthyhangdalat05