(English)Process Analysis Task 2 (Puso)

           

A bundle of Puso served on top of

banana leaves

        Most Asian people eat rice during meals. It has become a tradition for Asians to eat rice. Here in the Philippines we have a food called Puso (also called as hanging rice) it is a traditional native Filipino food. It is rice boiled in a woven pouch of young coconut tree leaves. It is commonly found in octahedral, diamond or rectangular shapes, but it also comes in various complex woven forms. Puso is commonly found in the Visayas region and in some Moro groups in the Country. It has become part of the street food cultures of Cebu. The ones who make Puso are called Manlalah or Mamumuso. 

The Process

(I especially asked my Mom who had experience in making Puso once when she was young.)

In making Puso you must do the following:

1. Take some young yellow coconut leaves or young "lukay". 

*Green leaves are not recommended to be used because it leaves its  color on the rice and gives it a different taste.

2. Remove the midrib or "tukog"

3. Start to weave by shaping it in a style that you prefer.

4. Put half portion of uncooked rice inside the weaved coconut leaves.

5. Put some water in a casserole then boil it until 100⁰C or 212⁰F.

6. Afterwards, put the prepared uncooked puso inside the casserole. Wait for 15 minutes for it to be cooked.

7. Remove the Puso from the boiling water and then hang it to dry.

8. Ready to be served to the market. It is best consumed within 24 hours.

       It is served as main course and is best paired with BBQ , seafood, and other skewered food. People mostly here in Cebu prefer to eat Puso in some special occasions or just when eating outside, because it is easy to carry, is easy to dispose after a meal and is very affordable. 

       Back then Puso was culturally important to the pre-Hispanic Filipinos as they use it as offerings to the Diwata spirits and also as an extension of the basic skills of weaving among women. Puso is also used in long travels for it is easy to carry and is easy to be eaten either by standing up or sitting down.

       Based on my grandmother's experience making Puso as a business is very nice for you can gain 80-100% of the profit. 

       If you ever try visiting the Philippines (specifically the Visayas Region) you should try to experience this amazing product. You can buy it at a Lechon (Roasted Pig) stall or in other food stalls around the streets. 

       

Links:

Puso Picture and Information - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pus%C3%B4