Monascus | |
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Monascus purpureus being used to make red rice wine | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Ascomycota |
Class: | Eurotiomycetes |
Order: | Eurotiales |
Family: | Aspergillaceae |
Genus: | Monascus Tiegh. (1884) |
Type species | |
Monascus ruber | |
Synonyms | |
Monascus is a genus of mold. Among the known species of this genus, the red-pigmented Monascus purpureus is among the most important because of its use in the production of certain fermented foods in East Asia, particularly China and Japan.