“Have you eaten?” This is the common greeting instead of “Hello” CHINA “Have you eaten?” This is the common greeting instead of “Hello”

Meal Patterns – Typical Foods eaten at various times Breakfast – a bowl of congee – a thick porridge or a bowl of rice

LUNCH & DINNER All dishes are served at once Soup is placed in the center of the table Four other dishes of pork, chicken or fish with or without vegetables One vegetable dish Always rice is served

CHINESE INGREDIENTS SOY SAUCE GINGER ROOT BOK CHOY TOFU

More Chinese Ingredients VEGETABLES SAUCES Water Chestnuts Hoisin Sauce Black mushrooms Soy Sauce Bok Choy Sweet & Sour Sauce Chinese pea pods Winter Melon Wood Ears

COOKING UTENSILS WOK CLEAVER BAMBOO STEAMER CHOP STICKS

Chinese Cooking Methods

STIRFRYING The most common Chinese cooking method All ingredients must be cut into uniform pieces so they will cook evenly A small amount of oil is heated in a wok Add the ingredients that need the longest cooking time first to the heated oil Stir continuously!! Do not overcook!

How does geography effect food?

GEOGRAPHY FACTS China is the 3rd largest country in the world It occupies nearly one-fourth of Asia Geographical features have kept China isolated for much of its history Pacific Ocean and South China Sea Western China is mountainous and much is barren

Where do most of the people live? Most people live in Eastern China Mountains and hills are lower, rolling plains are fairly level Wide valleys are formed between rivers which have rich soil

EXTREME CLIMATE In the northernmost regions the ground stays frozen 2/3rds of the year. Sub arctic temperatures are common Rainfall is scarce Southernmost regions have a subtropical climate with ample rainfall Monsoons, drought, and flooding are common

Traditional Chinese Foods Wontons Wheat flour is used to make skins or wrappers Wheat flour and eggs are mixed into a dough Filled with minced vegetables and/or meats Deep fried, steamed, or boiled in soups

TEA Tea is the national drink Chinese serve black, oolong, and green teas Never add cream, lemon or sugar Served at end of meal A sign of hospitality

Meats and Seafood Chinese eat chicken and duck Beef is scarce and not very good Pork is eaten by some but forbidden by some religions Fish is more important than meat

CHINESE FOOD IN AMERICA Most of the foods we enjoy in America come from the southern part of China These were the first immigrants to the U.S. We enjoy the beautiful combinations of color, texture, size, and shapes and tastes!!!

DYNASTY CONTRIBUTIONS Shang dynasty – Steaming, grilling, deep-frying, roasting foods Seasonings such as ginger root, scallions, garlic

HISTORICAL INFLUENCES China is the home of one of the oldest civilizations China has been ruled by many dynasties in the past. Each dynasty was able to devote time to the culinary arts As many as 4,000 peasants in Imperial palaces were responsible for food & wine!

CONFUCIUS Say….. Established rules for “correct” preparation and presentation of foods Meat had to be chopped finely Vegetables had to be fresh Rice had to be polished Eating for health is a value of the Chinese

Han Dynasty Flour milling became known in China The First Pasta was created – noodles! Chopsticks were introduced

Ching Dynasty Dining as a great ceremony reached its height. Manners, courtesy and etiquette were strictly observed. Round tables were used so conversation could flow easily

WORKS CITED Debus, L. Zedlitz, R. Zedlitz, C. Exploring International Foods Travel China, Italy, and Mexico, Southwestern Publishing 1986. Largen, V. and Bence, D. Guide to Good Food, Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc., 2002 31:642-650.