  |
|
|
|
The Food in the South of ChinaWhat Makes Southern Chinese So Proud of their FoodThe north and the south of China are really two entirely different cultures. One of the reasons for this is the food. Find out why the Southern Chinese love their food.
All of China knows that the food in the south, following the traditions passed down from many generations is the pride of the Guangdong (Cantonese) people. It is true that no matter where you travel to in China, each place has some speciality. It may be something resembling peanut crumble, or beef jerky. Perhaps it's doesn't resemble anything you are familiar with, for example some kind of dried fruit that you never knew existed. Whatever it is, the Chinese love their food. But the Chinese in the south take much pride in their food. They are traditions that have been passed down from generations to generations. So what is it about the food in Gunagdong that makes it so special? Firstly, and most importantly, Cantonese cuisine must be fresh and retain it's natural flavour. Usually restaurants place live fish and seafood in aquariums in front of the restaurant. This allows the customers to choose which fish or lobster etc they would like to eat. Often the live fish will be brought to the table to prove it's freshness. In addition, at the supermarkets, there are aquariums with live fish and cages with live chickens. Cantonese people like to buy their meat still alive, so that from the time it is slaughtered, to the time it is eaten, only a few hours have passed. The freshness is absolutely essential. When they eat something that isn’t fresh, yes they notice the difference right away. In addition, Cantonese food is always good for something. Watercress is good for your throat (in case you have a sore throat or happen to be using your voice a lot). Almond grounded into powder then mixed with water produces an almond drink, which is good for your complexion. Some things are good for your eyes, others for your liver, others build up your blood. There is an entire study behind the food Cantonese people eat. During certain seasons, they will not eat certain foods, for they may catch cold or get 'over heated.' If they are 'over heated', then there are certain drinks and foods that they must take so that the body can balance out again. Another important part of Cantonese food is the soups they drink. These soups are usually for a purpose again (it must be good for something). The soups are usually boiled in clay pots for 3 to 6 hours, or maybe even longer. The ingredients are usually discarded afterwards, but the soup is never wasted. It is almost an essential part of Cantonese cuisine. It is quite well known that Cantonese people will eat anything. They like exotic birds, strange animals that other cultures would not consider eating, internal organs and other 'delicacies.' The purpose of eating organs is usually for health purposes. It does not always taste good, but Cantonese cooking will use simple spices and mild spices to bring out the natural flavours. But there is a mentality behind eating organs: if you are having problems with your lungs, you should eat some pork lung. If you are having problems with your liver, you must have some liver. If your digestion is not so good, you'll need to have some stomach. When Cantonese people travel to the north, they often complain about the food. "It's oily and fatty." "It doesn't taste good." "It's not fresh!" If you travel to the south, it's very likely that one will be asked "how do you like the food here?" and it will be followed with "the food in Guangdong is the best in China."
The copyright of the article The Food in the South of China in China Travel is owned by Larissa Cherry. Permission to republish The Food in the South of China in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
