Puto: A Philippine Rice Cake, Not a Planet

No Equatorial Radius Here

Puto is a traditional steamed rice cake from the Philippines—soft, slightly sweet, often topped with cheese or salted egg. It is a food, not a celestial body.

Why the Confusion?

"Puto" sounds like "Pluto" (dwarf planet, equatorial radius ~1,188 km) or perhaps a misspelling of a planetary name. But in Tagalog and Filipino cuisine, puto is a beloved breakfast/merienda staple made from galapong (fermented rice batter).

Varieties

• Puto Bumbong: Purple, steamed in bamboo tubes, served with muscovado, coconut, butter (Christmas staple).
• Puto Maya: Glutinous rice, ginger, coconut milk.
• Puto Cheese / Salted Egg: Classic topped versions.
• Kutsinta: Lye-water cousin, jelly-like, with grated coconut.

So, if you're hungry, visit a Filipino bakery. If you're doing orbital mechanics, check NASA's planetary fact sheets.