Introduction: The winter solstice is one of the traditional Chinese solar terms, which not only represents the beginning of winter, but also highlights the rich food culture and customs. On this special day, people taste specific cuisines and there are some dietary taboos that need to be taken care of. By understanding and abiding by these traditions, we can better experience the meaning of the winter solstice, and at the same time inherit and promote the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation.
1.Dumplings: As the most common winter solstice delicacy in the northern region, dumplings are rich in fillings, such as pork and cabbage filling, mutton and carrot filling, etc. The shape of the dumplings symbolizes reunion and reunion, symbolizing the passing of winter and the coming of spring. In addition, dumplings also carry people's good expectations for a good harvest and happiness.
Expansion: The dumplings in the northern region are not only diverse enough in shape, but also rich and diverse in filling. For example, in Shandong, people often use leeks, shrimp and other fillings to make dumplings, adding a fresh taste to the dumplings. In the Tohoku region, people like to add chili peppers to the filling of dumplings to give them a spicy taste. Regardless of the method, dumplings are an indispensable traditional delicacy on the winter solstice table of northerners.
2.Tangyuan: Compared to dumplings in the northern region, the southern region prefers tangyuan. The fillings of the glutinous rice balls are mostly black sesame seeds, peanuts, chocolate, etc., and the taste is mellow and sweet. The round and plump shape of the rice balls symbolizes family harmony and happiness, and people often use it as a necessary food for the winter solstice.
Expansion: The dumplings in the south are diverse and varied, and the shape and texture of the fillings are also distinctive. For example, some places will add sesame paste or bean paste to the filling of the rice balls to make the rice balls richer and fullerIn other places, preserved fruits and candied fruits are included in the skin of the rice balls, which makes the rice balls softer and more memorable. Either way, tangyuan is one of the delicious representatives of the winter solstice for southerners.
3.Mutton soup: During the winter solstice, people in some regions like to consume mutton soup. Lamb is rich in calories and warms up from the cold, and when boiled with ingredients such as radish, it is both delicious and nutritious. The way to drink mutton soup also varies from region to region, and some places like to add coriander and chopped green onions to add layers of flavor.
Expanding: In the northwest region of China, mutton soup is a traditional delicacy on the winter solstice table. People often choose high-quality lamb and fresh vegetables from local specialties and slowly boil a pot of fragrant mutton soup. This delicacy not only warms the body, but also nourishes the spleen and stomach, and is considered by the locals to be the best food for winter.
4.Glutinous Rice Cake: Glutinous rice cake is a unique winter solstice delicacy in some areas of the south, and the production process is unique. The glutinous rice is steamed, then pounded into a puree, then made into various shapes, such as discs, long strips, etc., and finally sprinkled with sesame seeds and sugar on the surface, which is sweet and delicious. Symbolizing a good harvest and good fortune, it is often used as a gift for relatives and friends.
Expansion: Glutinous rice cakes have a variety of flavors and different practices in the southern region. Some places like to add bean paste or lotus paste filling to the glutinous rice cake to make it richer in flavor;Others prefer to coat the dumplings with peach sauce and honey to increase their sweetness and aroma. Regardless of the taste, glutinous rice dumplings are an indispensable traditional delicacy on the winter solstice table of southerners.
Through the above introduction, we can see that the table of the winter solstice is full of local food characteristics. This not only shows the diversity of regional cultures, but also reflects people's respect for and inheritance of traditional culture. On the day of the winter solstice, people sit together, share food, share joy, and more importantly, feel the warmth of reunion and harmony together.
In the cold season of the winter solstice, moderate intake of some warm fruits can not only supplement vitamins, but also enhance the body's resistance. Here are a few fruits that are suitable for the winter solstice:
1.Apples: Rich in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. In addition, apples are also rich in fiber and pectin, which have a good protective effect on the intestines. One can choose to eat fresh apples or make them into desserts like apple puree or apple pie.
Expanding: Apples are one of the most popular fruits in winter, with a wide variety and texture. For example, red Fuji apples, which have a sweet and sour taste, are loved by many people. And for people who love sourness, green apples may be more suitable for their taste. Regardless of the variety, apples give us a healthy and pleasant taste bud experience.
2.Red dates: Red dates are known as a good blood tonic and are rich in iron and can enhance physical fitness. In addition, jujube is also rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which have the effect of nourishing the liver and beautifying the skin. One can stew red dates into red date soup or add them to glutinous rice to cook them into red date porridge.
Expanding: Jujube has a long history in China and is known as "China's Jujube Township". Different regions have different varieties and tastes of jujubes. For example, Shandong's Jiazao red dates, produced in the Zezhou region of the Taihang Mountains, have a sweet taste and a rich fruity aroma;Hebei's big red jujube, produced in Wei County, Hebei Province, is larger, full flesh, sweet but not greasy. Regardless of the variety, jujube is a good product during the winter solstice.
3.Persimmons: Persimmons are rich in vitamin A and fiber, which help protect the respiratory tract and promote digestion. It also has the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, especially suitable for health preservation in winter when it is dry. People can eat fresh persimmons directly or make them into desserts such as preserves or persimmons.
Expansion: Persimmon is cultivated in various parts of China, and there are different storage methods and eating customs in different places. For example, in Shanxi, persimmons are peeled and hung on the roof to dry, and the persimmons become sweeter and more delicious after drying. In Fujian, people like to use persimmons to make persimmons, which are sweet but not greasy, and are deeply loved by people.
4.Hawthorn: Hawthorn is rich in vitamin C and a variety of substances that are beneficial to cardiovascular health, which helps to eliminate food accumulation and promote blood circulation. One can make hawthorn into a hawthorn drink or hawthorn essence with a sweet and sour taste.
Expansion: Hawthorn has a long history in China and is known as the "fruit of longevity". It has a sweet and sour taste with a unique flavor. Hawthorn is often boiled into jam or made into hawthorn cake to increase the variety of ways to eat and taste.
By choosing fruits that are suitable for the winter solstice, we can replenish nutrients and strengthen our immunity, while also enjoying a delicious taste bud experience. On the special day of the winter solstice, let's taste a variety of delicacies and celebrate this festival of reunion and warmth together. At the same time, it is also important to pay attention to the consumption of fruits in moderation and avoid eating too much or inappropriate foods to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. This is a manifestation of inheriting and carrying forward the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation, and it is also a kind of care and care for one's own health.