Not normal. Monascus is steamed with glutinous rice, inoculated with Monascus species, and then fermented and multiplied. The product is fermented dark red glutinous rice, crushed into red yeast powder. Red yeast rice powder has a sour and astringent taste and a unique rice aroma.

In general, red yeast rice powder is a fermented rice product and has a completely different flavor from spices. Most families use red yeast rice powder to marinate meat on a daily basis. It is probably due to the flavor being mixed with other spices during storage or use.