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Chinese
cuisine is noted for the following characteristics:
Vegetables are the main ingredients.
This explains why most Chinese women are slim and men free of cardiovascular
diseases. This is because in China, an agricultural country, there is
a traditional respect for land. As the old saying goes, " Live on the
mountain if you live in one and live on water if you live by water." The
Chinese are meticulous about food preparation. Whether it be pastries
or vegetables, they always try to make it tasty and flavorful. For example,
beans, a common vegetable, are exquisitely prepared into such delicious
dishes as bean sprouts and bean curd.
The
Chinese people like well-prepared food.
Zealous about food absorption and digestion, they are scrupulous about
the temperature while cooking. Undercooked food is unacceptable to them.
To the Chinese, the sight of Westerners eating undercooked steaks still
oozing blood inside is horrible. In addition, warm soup is very important.
Wonton, or dumpling soup, and noodles are popular nationwide. Other hot
soups include jellied bean curd, rice porridge and corn porridge.
Chinese
also like to eat together, a tradition that can be traced back a long
time ago.
It reflects the Chinese notion of union versus division---round tables,
round dishes, and round bowls all symbolize union and perfection. Dishes
are usually placed at the center of the table so that everyone around
the table can share them. A hot pot, in particular, adds to the atmosphere
of harmony and union. Friends eat and live together. A recent book by
an American Sinologist held that the Chinese collective tradition developed
out of the practice of eating together.
There are, of course, table manners and status associated with food.
By no means did the royal family eat the same food as commoners!
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