Chinese Food Culture

China is 45 times the area of Korea. Because of this and the differences of climate, soil, and the natural environment, there are many food ingredients to seek out. In earlier times, it wasn't easy for humans to find ingredients from other places, so they ate only what they produced themselves. On account of this, foods from across China have developed in a unique way.

There are a multitude of food ingredients available in China. Most animals and plants are used in Chinese cuisine. In particular, the Chinese also use an abundance of dried ingredients through the year.

Chinese cooking also requires a lot of cooking oil. This creates the characteristic flavor of Chinese food. When the oil starts to smoke, a host of other condiments, like soy sauce, ginger, scallions, garlic, and spicy pepper are added to create the special taste of Chinese food. Generally, Chinese food takes a longer time to prepare than the foods of other nations.

Using lots of oil causes acidic metabolic waste to linger inside the body leading to unbalanced PH levels inside the body. To counter this, Chinese people drink tea to neutralize their systems.

The standard cooking methods are to use fire or water to cook food. The tradition that food must be cooked is handed down to the Chinese from the past. Fresh meat and produce is also healthier than processed food, which is one reason why Chinese food, despite being cooked in vats of oil, has a reputation for being healthier than Western food.

Chinese seasonings and spices are many and varied. Chinese cooking is judged by three essential factors, known as "color, aroma, and taste". Chinese people always have a great time at rich dinners with their families around a round table which fosters unity and happiness. On a final note, Chinese dishes are always beautifully garnished.

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Staff writer Kim Won Gyun.

Posted in: Arts and Culture,Lifestyle