What does a humble grain of roasted brown rice have to do with sailors navigating the waters of Southeast Asia?
The answer lies in a fascinating chapter of nutritional history — one involving rice, sailors, beriberi and the eventual discovery of Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.
But the story of brown rice doesn’t end with science. It is also connected to the food traditions and childhood memories of generations of Singaporeans.
Rice, Sailors and Vitamin B1
In the late 19th century, beriberi was a serious disease in parts of Asia, particularly among people whose diets relied heavily on polished white rice.
Scientists began to notice that something important was being lost when rice was polished. Research into rice polishings eventually helped reveal the existence of a vital nutrient that we now know as Vitamin B1.
One of the important figures in this story was Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkman, who conducted research in Java. His experiments showed that animals fed polished rice could develop symptoms resembling beriberi, while unpolished rice and rice polishings could prevent or reverse the condition.
His work became an important milestone in the discovery of vitamins and our understanding of nutritional deficiency diseases.
At the heart of the mystery was the humble rice grain.
Unlike polished white rice, brown rice retains its bran and germ, where nutrients such as thiamine are found. Vitamin B1 plays an important role in normal energy metabolism and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Brown Rice in Singaporean Kitchens
But the story of brown rice is not only one of sailors and scientists.
It is also part of the food memories of generations of Singaporeans.
Older Singaporeans may remember their mothers or grandmothers preparing brown rice gruel and brown rice water for growing children. These simple preparations were part of a traditional belief that wholesome, nourishing foods could help children grow strong.
Long before nutrition labels and dietary charts became part of everyday life, families relied on generations of food wisdom to decide what was good for their children.
Brown rice was one of those humble foods.
From the provisions carried by people travelling through the Straits to the kitchens of Singaporean families, rice was deeply woven into everyday life — valued not only as a staple, but as a source of nourishment.
The Traditional Health Recipe Behind Straits Sailors Tea
And this is where Straits Sailors Tea comes in.
Made with roasted brown rice, codonopsis root, ginseng, goji berries, foxnuts and licorice, Straits Sailors Tea is a traditional health recipe rooted in the nourishing food and wellness traditions of our seafaring ancestors.
The roasted brown rice gives the tea its warm, nutty and toasty character, while the combination of traditional botanicals creates a naturally comforting and nourishing brew.
And because Straits Sailors Tea is naturally caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed throughout the day — including as part of a relaxing evening routine.
It is a recipe that brings together the goodness of a humble grain with the traditional wisdom of herbs and botanicals.
Discover Straits Sailors Tea
Curious to taste the traditional health recipe behind the story?
Discover Straits Sailors Tea, a caffeine-free blend of roasted brown rice, codonopsis root, ginseng, goji berries, foxnuts and licorice. Bring home a comforting cup of heritage and experience the nourishing traditions of generations past.
