In the quiet weeks before rice fields are ready for harvest, a unique and time-honored ritual still takes place in some rural communities in the Philippines: the making of pinipig.

 Pinipig, although often mistaken for just a delicacy, is more than a snack—it is a cultural practice that reflects the ingenuity and deep-rooted beliefs of Filipino rice farmers. This traditional dish involves harvesting rice grains at the firm dough stage, just before they reach full maturity. The grains are then carefully pan-roasted over fire to reduce moisture and harden. Once cooled, they are pounded using a wooden mortar and pestle, which transforms them into soft, flattened grains ready to be eaten.

 This cultural practice is still observed in some farming communities within the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) reserve, particularly within the university’s organic rice production area. In these areas, the rice used for making pinipig is the black rice variety, known for its rich nutritional value and aromatic quality. The preparation allows both farmers and researchers to assess the eating quality of the variety even before full harvest, giving valuable insights into texture, taste, and cooking behavior.

 However, the process doesn’t end there. Pinipig is often served alongside a whole chicken dish, a pairing that carries symbolic significance. In many farming communities, it is believed that this act encourages rice plants to mature more quickly and helps promote better grain filling. Farmers see this ritual not just as a culinary celebration but as a way of calling in an abundant harvest.

 Beyond its ceremonial purpose, pinipig serves as a link between agricultural tradition and scientific observation. By preparing pinipig, farmers are not only passing on generational knowledge but are also participating in varietal evaluation—an informal yet insightful method in local agriculture.

 As the modern world shifts toward convenience and technology, the preparation of pinipig is becoming a rare sight. Yet, in communities where traditions remain strong, like those in CPSU, this ritual continues to bring families and learners together—bonded by shared labor, communal meals, and collective hope for a fruitful harvest.

 Pinipig is more than food; it is memory, belief, and resilience served on a plate. Preserving this cultural practice not only honors our farming ancestors but also reconnects us with the very grains that sustain the Filipino spirit.