The Role of Food in Understanding Chinese Culture - Assignment Example

The Role of Food in Understanding Chinese Culture(s) The significance of food in human culture understanding precisely lies in its infinite variability. If food was eaten for survival reasons, then people could be consuming the same type of food measured in carbohydrates, calories, proteins, fats and vitamins. However, individuals with distinct backgrounds eat differently. For instance, the basic ingredients from which the food is prepared, the manner in which it is cut up, preserved, variety at each and every meal, food serving customs all varies with cultures. Hierarchically, culture is a significant factor that divides food variability. Individuals’ with the same culture share same eating habits. As a result, they share the same food variables assemblage. Individuals belonging to distinct cultures share different food variables assemblage (Chang 1). This is a clear proof that food choices vary from culture to culture. Within similar cultures, food homogeneity is not mandatory. As a matter of fact, there exist a small range of food variable manifestations in various social situations. Individuals belonging to distinct occupations or social classes eat differently. People in mourning, on festive occasions or on routine occasions consume differently. Different eating codes are upheld by different religious sect. In various life stages, women and men eat differently. The eating differences might be as a result of taste preferences, but some are determined by an individual culture. Explaining these differences, identifying and relating them to other social life facets are of great significance. The availability of natural resources determines the food style of a culture. That is the main reason why the Chinese food is characterized by the animals and plants assemblages that have existed in their land for a long period of time. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to elucidate the role of food in understanding Chinese culture. Role of food in understanding Chinese culture Chinese cooking involves the combination of food stuffs. For example spices, meats, fruits, vegetables, legumes and starch staples. In the category of spices we have the ginger, red pepper, cinnamon and spring onion, for meats we have dog, pork, mutton, beef, chicken, goose, venison, fishes and pheasant, with fruits we have the apricot, peach, plum, apple, pear, jujube date, mountain haw, orange, litchi and longan, under vegetables we have Chinese cabbage, amaranth, malva, turnip, mushroom, radish and mustard green, legumes consists of broad bean, soybean, mung bean and peanut and lastly starch staples comprises of rice, millet, maize, wheat, sweet potato and kao-liang. Given the fact that ingredients varies from culture to culture, Chinese foods have a local attribute due to the used ingredients. It is not efficient and effective to use ingredients for purposes of characterization; however, they can be used as a good start. With regards to food, Chinese are not that nationalistic as they do not resist imports. This is evidenced by the presence of foreign foodstuffs adoption since the beginning of history. Goats, sheep and wheat were perhaps brought into China in the prehistoric time from Western Asia, whilst many vegetables and fruits came into the country from Central Asia. Furthermore, sweet potatoes and peanuts originated from the coastal traders (Jacques 135). As a result, all these ingredients became part and parcel of Chinese food. Up to date, dairy products and milk have not occupied a place that is prominent in the Chinese cuisine. In comparison to other food traditions, the Chinese culture of preparing food from ingredients that are raw to morsels that can be eaten involves the combination of interrelated and complex variables. Shopping for fresh fruits on daily basis is significant for all the cooking in China. Unlike the United States fast food society, live sea food, vegetables and seasonal fruits are often selected to ensure freshness. In that case, snappy crabs, swimming fish and squawking chickens are always selected. Generally, Chinese people unlike the Western culture never mind about nutrition. They are greatly concerned with the texture, color, aroma and flavor of the food. These are points that are significant when it comes to good Chinese cooking. The daily meals of Chinese comprises of four principal food groups: meat, fruits, vegetables and grains. As a result of their intolerance to lactose, the Chinese population does not incorporate large amounts of dairy products in their meal. To substitute the dairy milk products, Chinese use tofu and soymilk which also have large amounts of calcium and protein. The Chinese populations consume western desserts including ice cream, pies, cake, and cookies only in occasions that are special such as weddings and birthdays. Deep fried cooking is not involved much in Chinese ethnic cooking. The main reason American Chinese restaurants have their dishes deep-fried such as sour pork and sweet pork, shrimp and almond fried chicken, is in order to please the western tastes and promote business. These is the main reason why their exist high blood pressure and overweight in Western culture in comparison to the Chinese culture. Types of Chinese Foods “ Yi Xing bu Xing” Any animal section is never wasted and the Chinese have find out ways to prepare each and every part of an animal. The culture of the Chinese believes that “yi xing bu xing,” which ideally means that utilizing any animal part or shape strengthens and replenishes human body parts. For instance, bird nest soup (Saliva of the bird) and shark fin soup are always served to increase appetite and restore strength. The meat of the crocodile helps in strengthening the bronchia, tiger dehydrated testicles increases men stamina, whilst the brain of the monkey adds wisdom. Chinese culture considers these foods to be tonics and delicacies. Yin Yang Foods As a result of climate and geographical differences in China, there exist distinct eating habits and way of cooking. Northern China weather is cold and dump making individuals in these places to consume more spicy and hot foods such as onions, chilies and garlic. They often believe that their blood circulation will be increased with these types of food. In addition to that, they will help them in getting rid of the dampness and coldness. On the other hand, those from the South love consuming cooling and mild foods as a result of the warmer climate. They believe that the foods limit the dryness and hotness. The Chinese Culture understands that in the universe, there exists negative energy and positive energy. In that case, they need to be equally balanced to come up with a healthy and harmonious state, if not, disease and conflict will emerge. For over one thousand years, the balancing forces significance has become part of Chinese culture. It has become a guideline that is basic for both medical, political, social and use of dietary. Regional Food China has a variety of cuisines. Each province in china has its own style of cooking that is unique. For example, there is Hubai or Hunan cuisine, Beijing cuisine, Szechwan cuisine, Hakka Cuisine and Cantonese cuisine. The spiciest dishes fall under Szechwan cuisine. The cuisine uses a lot of rep pepper, chili paste and hot oil in their food preparation. In the Chinese community, Cantonese cuisine is the most recognized. The Cantonese individuals are extremely specific and have expectations that are high with regards to their food. All the poultry, ingredients and vegetables have to be fresh. No overcooking of dishes is allowed, and the food texture has to be right with the tenderness and freshness felt. As a result, Cantonese food has gain popularity (Robert 10) The Chinese Banquet The Chinese dinner banquet occurs in occasions that are special such as weddings, holidays, graduations, or birthdays. It is always a friend or family event to come together laugh and fellowship. The food included in the banquet are such as appetizers including vinegar pork, jelly fish salad and soups like fish lining, bird’s nest or shark fin. The banquet main served courses consists of crab, lobster, shrimp, steamed fish, fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables among others. Carbohydrates and Grains Noodles and rice are an essential component in the diet of a Chinese. They are equivalent to pasta and potato in the diet of the Western culture. Rice and noodles are often accompanied by vegetables and portions of meat. Each and every Chinese meal uses rice. Previously, it was the poor Chinese who consumed brown rice. However, according to various researches, it is evident thatbrown rice is more nutritious than polished rice. Rice is treated with respect in China. This is because every grain of rice is a representation of their hard labor. Food to Boost an Individual’s Health When the Chinese people feel deficiency in their strength or health, traditional method is sought. The method uses special ingredients soup and herbs to restore the level of energy and make an individual stay healthy. The soup is made from a combination of ingredients used for illness, postpartum, weak energy and old age. The Chinese are equipped with recipe books that offer them the guidelines on how to utilize different soups in occasions that are different. Before a Chinese seeks medical attention from the Western medicine, he or she has to use special soup or herbs first. Western medicine is only applied when an individual has extreme health conditions. The main reason behind this is that they believe that the Western medicine is “extremely strong” for them. Food Groups Chinese puts more emphasis on how to eat a balanced diet. Of great significance is the flavor and freshness of the food. A Chinese typical meal comprises of soup, rice and other side dishes three to four in number. Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, poultry or a portion of meat make up a Chinese dish. In their daily meals, it is mandatory to have a fresh vegetable or fruit. In addition to that, the Chinese food contains small bits of meat. The meat portions are used for dish or soup flavoring. Conclusion In a symbolic manner, food represents a given society’s dominant ways. With the analysis of a society’s consumption practices and habits, it is easy to acknowledge a variety of meanings for different types of food consumed. For example, the Chinese have a unique eating habit. There cooking styles and foods are determined by geographic positioning and climate. In addition to that, they love natural things such as fresh fruits and vegetables which are mandatory for each and every meal. Unlike the Western culture, the Chinese include a small portion of dairy products in their meals. That is why it is extremely difficult to find Chinese suffering from hypertension or obesity. In addition to that, they believe that there should be a balance in whatever they forces that exists in a society. And this has been manifested in their social way of life where they believe that there should be a balance between, political, social, medical and dietary. It is evident that, indeed food plays a great role in the understanding of the Chinese culture Works Cited Chang, Chingh. Adapted from Food in Chinese Culture: Anthropological and Historical Perspectives. Yale University Press, 1977. Print. Jacques, Gernet. Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion 1250-76.Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1962. Print. Robert, Gregory. A Concise history of China. Harvard University Press, 1999. Print. Read More