Week 1 - Introduction

Hi! My name is Sanyukta and I am currently a freshman student majoring in Biochemistry.

I took this class because I thought it was quite different from my major in the sense that it focused on the Chinese Zodiac Sign with the integration of food specific to the respective zodiac signs. As an individual who is interested in learning about different cultures, I found this class to be a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and its various facets. Moreover, this class has allowed me to broaden my culinary horizon by introducing me to new ingredients and dishes that are integral to Chinese cuisine. Even though I was a latecomer to this class, all my peers were very welcoming and introduced me to many delicacies from their own cultures which was really enriching.

Since I was born in the Year of the Sheep, I will talk about the Hox Zodiac Year of Sheep and its associated food culture.

According to Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Sheep are believed to be kind-hearted, gentle, and considerate of others. They are also said to have a strong sense of creativity and enjoy pursuing artistic endeavors. Subsequently, the Year of the Sheep is associated with dishes that are warming and nourishing to the body. 

Some popular dishes during the Year of the Sheep include hot pot, braised lamb, and mutton soup. In Chinese culture, lamb and mutton are believed to have warming properties that can help combat the cold winter weather and boost the immune system. Additionally, lamb and mutton are also commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for their various health benefits such as improving blood circulation and strengthening the spleen. 

Another popular dish during the Year of the Sheep is yang rou chuan, which translates to lamb skewers. These skewers are a popular street food in China and consist of marinated lamb pieces grilled over charcoal.

Furthermore, the Year of the Sheep is also associated with a variety of vegetables such as carrots and potatoes which are often used in stews and soups to provide additional nutrients and flavor. Additionally, certain ingredients are also believed to be beneficial for those born in the Year of the Sheep, such as goji berries, red dates, and Chinese yam. Goji berries are said to improve eyesight and boost the immune system, while red dates are believed to aid in digestion and improve blood circulation. Chinese yam is often used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the spleen and lungs, and it is also believed to have anti-aging properties. These ingredients are often used in soups and stews to promote good health and well-being. Moreover, the Year of the Sheep is also associated with certain cooking techniques such as slow-cooking and braising which help to bring out the natural flavors and nutrients of ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both tasty and nourishing.

In conclusion, the Year of the Sheep is a time to celebrate warmth, nourishment, and creativity.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you learned something new about the Year of the Sheep :)

 

References

Year of the Sheep - Goat Zodiac Sign: Personality, Compatibility, 2023 .... (n.d). https://www.yourchineseastrology.com/zodiac/sheep.htm
Top Chinese Lamb Dishes with English/Chinese Menu - China Highlights. (n.d). https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/menu/lamb-menu.htm
Hot pots, soups, stews: how Chinese people like to eat lamb. (n.d). https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3117508/how-chinese-people-eat-lamb-hotpot-north-big-stir-fry-south
1979 Chinese Zodiac, Earth Sheep: 2023 Horoscope, Love, Career. (n.d). https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/1979-chinese-zodiac-sheep-year.htm

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