PROPOSAL
Student Name
Instructor
Course Name
Due date
CHINESE DESSERTS
Article Title:
Chinese Desserts
Associated WikiProjects:
The article below can be used in tandem with the following WikiProject in the knowledge and understanding of Chinese desserts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_desserts
Description
China is a country believed to have existed and triumphed through culture, food and strong societal values for thousands of years. The basis of this exponential growth and development is in the Chinese ability to develop with credence to the times while holding onto to the values and cultures that make them Chinese. Among the most revelled of Chinese culture and values, is food culture – more so, desserts. Over thousands of years, dessert recipes have been developed and passed onto the proceeding generations with utmost precision and care to maintain these values which are of benefit to the contemporary world and having intrinsic value in knowledge and culture. In this article, we shall discuss the various kinds of desserts prepared in authentic Chinese culture as well as the events and needs that they serviced as people partook of them. The major point that stands out in all desserts however, is the fact that almost all Chinese desserts have, either: a sugary, savoury and sweet taste or are essential for health purposes.
Titles of Sections:
- Types of Chinese Desserts and Their Essence to Chinese Culture
- The Origin and Evolution of Chinese Dessert
- New Year Desserts
- Savoury Chinese Desserts
- Chinese Most Popular Desserts
- Sugary and Healthy Chinese Desserts from Different Chinese Provinces
- Conclusion
Sources and Annotations:
Nachay, Karen. “The Unexpected Evolution of Dessert.” Food technology (Chicago) 66.11 (2012): 28-35
The concept of life, culture, heritage and social values are some of the strong bonds that bind the society on a whole scale. There are various ways in which families, relatives and communities find solace, teamwork and kinship in and the most important of them is via food culture. The article is an invaluable asset in describing and intricately offering undue insight on the evolution of food – desserts – in the Chinese empire. The author alludes to in the below discussion, give a detailed tour in time of how the empire was structured and how rich the history of Chinese desserts is. The author depicts China as a haven of rich culture and heritage which was derived from its extensive trade relations with other countries at its harbour. The resultant effects of such interactions were the derivation of various culinary styles and skills employed in preparation of authentic Chinese meals and desserts that form the major dessert delicacies in menus in Chinese restaurants today. The undeniably vibrant Chinese culture has helped nurture young Chinese population, instilling reverence and appreciation of Chinese culture through sweets and desserts. Most Chinese desserts are sugar-based and therefore alluring for the children and young adults, who in the process of partaking of them, are taught the rich Chinese heritage of those delicacies.
Martell, Jess. “Chinese New Year Desserts» 7 Sweets to Welcome New Year.” (2020)
The Chinese, like any other countrymen in the world today, consider the New Year as a major cultural and national festival. However, the Spring Festival of the Chinese that occurs during the New Year, is one of the most important festivals in their calendar. The Spring Festival, according to the author of this article, is a family event and is very important in their culture. The various desserts and treats consumed in the course of this cultural festival, include: turnip cake, ai wo-wo and nian gao among many others. These desserts are majorly sugary food items and are normally prepared and served to wish the person being served good luck in the years to come. These good luck wishes are some of the most important sentiments in the Chinese culture which form the bonds of family, culture and kinship.
Azari, A., 2019. 8 sweet, savoury, and delicious Chinese desserts you have to try. [online] Matador Network. Available at: <https://matadornetwork.com/read/sweet-savory-delicious-chinese-desserts/>
According to the author, majority of the Chinese desserts are sugar-based. These desserts were made to attract children’s interests in partaking of traditional Chinese meals and was also a way of teaching them the ways of the society. During dessert and meal preparations, young ones would be taught the value of family whilst learning how to prepare those meals and desserts. The most savoury of Chinese desserts according to this author are: dragon’s beard candy, lou po beng and dàntǎ among numerous others. These sweet desserts are some of the most relished desserts and some of them even have legends tied to their origins, for instance, the lou po beng.
“China’s Most Popular Desserts and Sweet Foods”. Chinahighlights.Com, 2021, https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-chinese-desserts.htm#:~:text=Top%2010%20Most%20Popular%20Chinese%20Desserts&text=Desserts %20in%20China%20are%20quite, almond%20jelly%2C%20and%20grass%20jelly
Based on the popularity index of most popular foods in the world, Chinese desserts remain to be one of the most sought-after and relished desserts. Despite their sweet nature and obviously dynamic tastes and methods of preparation, they hold root due to their alluring nature. Essentially, Chinese desserts are prepared to intrigue a person’s body senses which include: taste, smell, touch and hearing. The most popular Chinese desserts are: red bean bun, tanghulu and deep-fried durian among many others. These desserts are exquisite in terms of their tastes smell and even methods of preparation which sometimes may be considered as an art. These desserts hold precedence in the lives of many Chinese and are usually served as one of the best desserts after meals in many Chinese restaurants. The author goes on to claim that these desserts as stated as popular even in other countries in the world today. As such, it is important that the Chinese maintain efforts to reserve this food culture and impart it to the present generation.
“14 Chinese Desserts 甜点 All Across China”. Medium, 2016, https://medium.com/@spoonhunt/14-chinese-desserts-%E7%94%9C%E7%82%B9-all-across-china-8c82349d1490
In the numerous provinces and cities in China, certain character traits stand out. As such, several cities have certain signature dishes that match the nature of people within it. According to this article, the capability to portray character and culture through certain dishes by the Chinese, is an amazing way to purport the traditional Chinese culture and heritage. The author discusses the various cities with respect to their signature desserts. Some of these may include: Shanghai 上海, Nanjing 南京, Sichuan 四川 and Guangzhou 广州. Shanghai’s signature dish is Yellow Crab Shell 蟹壳黄 Xiè ké huáng, which is normally sweet due to the red bean paste fillings, normally used in its preparation. Nanjing’s signature dessert is Osmanthus Sugar Taro Balls 桂花糖芋苗 Guìhuā táng yù miáo which is normally very tasty and sweet-smelling. Sichuan’s signature dish is the sweet and sour Yibin Cold Cake 宜宾凉饼 Yíbīn liáng bǐng, normally prepared using: glutinous rice, sesame, red bean paste, agar and osmanthus. It has health benefits, in that, it helps prevent swelling in the human body. Guangzhou on the other hand, have a type of dessert known as Ginger Milk Pudding 姜汁撞奶 Jiāng zhī zhuàng nǎi. This dessert is normally consumed during the cols seasons to prevent illness. The author therefore, indicates that Chinese desserts are essential for both taste and health benefits.
PART 1
Student Name
Instructor
Course Name
Due date
CHINESE DESSERTS
Article Title: Chinese Desserts
Associated WikiProjects:
The article below can be used in tandem with the following WikiProject in the knowledge and understanding of Chinese desserts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_desserts
Description
Nachay, Karen. “The Unexpected Evolution of Dessert.” Food technology (Chicago) 66.11 (2012): 28-35
China is a country believed to have existed and triumphed through culture, food and strong societal values for thousands of years, Nachay (2012). The basis of this exponential growth and development is in the Chinese ability to develop with credence to the times while holding onto their values and cultural practices. Among the most revelled of Chinese culture and values, is food culture – more so, desserts, according to, Nachay (2012). Over thousands of years, dessert recipes have been developed and passed onto the proceeding generations to maintain these beneficial values to the contemporary world and having intrinsic value in knowledge and culture. In this article, we shall discuss the various kinds of desserts prepared in authentic Chinese culture as well as the events and needs that they serviced as people partook of them. The major point that stands out in all desserts however, is the fact that almost all Chinese desserts have, either: a sugary, savoury and sweet taste or are essential for health purposes.
Titles of Sections:
- The Origin and Evolution of Chinese Dessert
- New Year Desserts
- Turnip Cake
- Ai Wo-Wo
- Nian Gao
- Savoury Chinese Desserts
- Dragon’s beard candy
- Lou po beng
- Dàntǎ
- Chinese Most Popular Desserts
- Red Bean Bun
- Tanghulu
- Deep Fried Durian
- Sugary and Healthy Chinese Desserts from Different Chinese Provinces
- 上海
- 南京
- 四川
- 广州
- Conclusion
- Works cited
New Year Desserts
Martell, Jess. “Chinese New Year Desserts» 7 Sweets to Welcome New Year.” (2020)
Turnip Cake
According to Martell (2020), the preparation of this dish and its serving and consumption times varies for different places in China in some places like Hakka, – who relish this dessert normally on the seventh day of the Spring Festival – turnip cakes are simply steamed and seasoned with diced green onions, then served. Their method of preparation is thereby more traditional as compared to other places where turnip cakes can either be pan-fried for crispiness or non-fried for a soft feeling all over. Turnip cake, as Martell (2020) asserts, is a popular dish in the southern province of Guangdong and Fujian which is made from shredded Chinese radish alongside other ingredients like, rice flour and flavourings.
Ai Wo-Wo
The main ingredient of this dessert is the glutinous rice powder. The dessert naturally looks like freshly-fallen snow and may contain various stuffing like walnuts, black sesame and other sugary ingredients. As a New Year dessert, jujube fruits can be pressed on top to garner numerous blessings.
Nian Gao
The dessert is a main treat in numerous households during the New Year Spring Festival, Martell (2020). It is usually made of either yellow rice or sticky glutinous rice flour. The dessert is normally served to offer good wishes and prosperity in later years. Most of the time, Martell (2020) claims that, it can be offered with sugar and lard as a dessert of served with meat and vegetables after being stir-fried.
Savoury Chinese Desserts
Azari, A., 2019. 8 sweet, savoury, and delicious Chinese desserts you have to try. [online] Matador Network. Available at: <https://matadornetwork.com/read/sweet-savory-delicious-chinese-desserts/>
Dragon’s beard candy
The confection is akin to the contemporary cotton candy. The strands are so wispy that they resemble the whiskers of a dragon. To prepare this dessert, Azari (2019), claims that, sugar is boiled into a gel-like substance and then nuts can be used as a covering. After this, the sugary interior is rolled in an 8-like movement to create thousands of strands that cover it. Preparation of this candy is also perceived to be an art.
Lou po beng
It is also known as sweetheart cake. Numerous legends surround the origin of this relished dessert. One among the most common ones is the one that claims that there was a woman whose father was so ill and they were too poor to cater for health bills. The deviation of this legend comes where it is said that she either sold herself to her landlord or as a slave so that his father could receive proper treatment, Azari (2019). In light of these circumstances, his husband worked hard and came up with this dessert recipe to help save his wife.
Dàntǎ
These are also referred to as Hong Kong-style egg tarts. Though common in many places all over the world, this dessert is mainly popular among the Chinese, as ascertained by Azari (2019). The delicacy is prepared with a flat shape and has the influence of the British. It has a thick crust and can take hours to prepare and therefore normally prepared long hours prior to sale by vendors.
Chinese Most Popular Desserts
“China’s Most Popular Desserts and Sweet Foods”. Chinahighlights.Com, 2021, https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-chinese-desserts.htm#:~:text=Top%2010%20Most%20Popular%20Chinese%20Desserts&text=Desserts %20in%20China%20are%20quite, almond%20jelly%2C%20and%20grass%20jelly
Red Bean Bun
The dessert is a most popular way of presenting the red bean which is essentially very sweet. It is one of the sweet versions of baozi, the steamed bun and can be presented in a variety of shapes, .Com (2021). The major ingredients are a steamed red bun with red bean paste. Its tastiness makes it a popular dessert in China.
The tanghulu – the “Chinese toffee apple” is essentially dried candy on a stick. It consists of dried skewer with crabapples after dipping in liquified sugar. The method of preparation is an old Beijing-style and this dessert can be found in food market all around China from carts.
Deep Fried Durian
Durian is an ill-famed Asian fruit because of its strong and terrible smell. Despite its bad smell, the fruit itself is really tasty. Most restaurants in China, according to, .Com (2021), serve it as a dessert and is normally slightly fried to give it an outer crispy crunchy feeling. When eating it, most people avoid touching it with their hands because the bad smell sticks and is hard to get rid of.
Sugary and Healthy Chinese Desserts from Different Chinese Provinces
“14 Chinese Desserts 甜点 All Across China”. Medium, 2016, https://medium.com/@spoonhunt/14-chinese-desserts-%E7%94%9C%E7%82%B9-all-across-china-8c82349d1490
Shanghai 上海
Medium (2016) claims that, the city, Shanghai has this signature dish referred to by the term, Yellow Crab Shell 蟹壳黄 Xiè ké huáng. The bun can be filled with various different ingredients and at times is also called the sesame cake. Some of the ingredients that can be used as fillings include: sugar, scallions, coriander and red bean paste.
Nanjing 南京
The dessert originates from Nanjing, the Southern capital of China. It is also known as Osmanthus Sugar Taro Balls 桂花糖芋苗 Guìhuā táng yù miáo. It is usually made of sweet taro glutinous rice balls that have been dipped in osmanthus sugar soup, Medium (2016). The smell of this dessert is so good that it draws people walking in the streets.
Sichuan 四川
Sichuan is considered the spicy province of China. Their signature dessert is the sweet and sour Yibin Cold Cake 宜宾凉饼 Yíbīn liáng bǐng. Some of the ingredients used in the preparation of this dessert include: glutinous rice, sesame, red bean paste, agar and osmanthus. The signature dessert is essential in reducing or totally assuaging swelling in the body, according to Medium (2016). It was used as a traditional healing medicine by traditional healers in the olden days.
Guangzhou 广州
The dessert that originates from the Cantonese capital Guangzhou is called Ginger Milk Pudding 姜汁撞奶 Jiāng zhī zhuàng nǎi. It is highly popular in Macau and Hong Kong, Medium (2016). The main health benefit of this dessert is its ability to prevent illness during the cold weather. As such, it is a much sought-after dessert by the Chinese population.
Conclusion
In light of the above stated arguments, we can assert the fact that, Chinese food heritage has invaluable benefits in terms of health benefits and authentic tastes. There are various desserts for various celebrations and events and such practices result in the consistent teaching process of young people on their heritage and culture. Therefore, it is imperative that further study be done as appertaining to the Chinese desserts, their benefits and demerits if any, for valuable knowledge and insight.
Works Cited
Martell, Jess. “Chinese New Year Desserts» 7 Sweets to Welcome New Year.” (2020)
Nachay, Karen. “The Unexpected Evolution of Dessert.” Food technology (Chicago) 66.11 (2012): 28-35
“China’s Most Popular Desserts and Sweet Foods”. Chinahighlights.Com, 2021, https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-chinese-desserts.htm#:~:text=Top%2010%20Most%20Popular%20Chinese%20Desserts&text=Desserts%20in%20China%20are%20quite,almond%20jelly%2C%20and%20grass%20jelly
“14 Chinese Desserts 甜点 All Across China”. Medium, 2016, https://medium.com/@spoonhunt/14-chinese-desserts-%E7%94%9C%E7%82%B9-all-across-china-8c82349d1490
PART 2
Proposal, source justification and annotated bibliography
Article Title: Chinese Desserts
Description
China is a country believed to have existed and triumphed through culture, food and strong societal values for thousands of years. Among the most revelled of Chinese culture and values, is food culture – more so, desserts. Over thousands of years, dessert recipes have been developed and passed onto the proceeding generations with utmost precision and care to maintain these values which are of benefit to the contemporary world and having intrinsic value in knowledge and culture. In this article, we shall discuss the various kinds of desserts prepared in authentic Chinese culture as well as the events and needs that they serviced as people partook of them. The major point that stands out in all desserts however, is the fact that almost all Chinese desserts have, either: a sugary, savoury and sweet taste or are essential for health purposes.
Titles of Sections:
- The Origin and Evolution of Chinese Dessert
The section provides information on the origin and evolution of Chinese dessert. We shall realize that Chinese desserts have developed over time gaining various tastes and forms through new exotic ingredients.
- New Year Desserts
In this section we shall discuss the significance of desserts to New Year celebrations. We shall focus on the Chinese Spring Festival desserts.
- Savoury Chinese Desserts
Many legends can be associated with the development and origin of some Chinese desserts. In this section we shall discuss some of those legends in association with the most savoury Chinese desserts.
- Chinese Most Popular Desserts
Popular culture has developed over time and with it, Chinese desserts have thrived as well. In this section, we shall find out some of the most popular Chinese desserts and how they became so.
- Sugary and Healthy Chinese Desserts from Different Chinese Provinces
The section will cover the discussion on the sugary Chinese desserts available. We shall also find out some of the health benefits associated with these desserts.
Sources and Annotations:
Nachay, Karen. “The Unexpected Evolution of Dessert.” Food technology (Chicago) 66.11 (2012): 28-35
The above source shall majorly be used in “The Origin and Evolution of Chinese Dessert” section of the Wikipedia page. It will help provide insight on the origin and evolution section, of Chinese dessert to its present tastes, variances and forms. The article is an invaluable asset in describing and intricately offering undue insight on the evolution of food – desserts – in the Chinese empire. The author alludes to in the below discussion, give a detailed tour in time of how the empire was structured and how rich the history of Chinese desserts is. The extensive well-learned nature of the author provides interesting and invaluable insight into the origins and evolution of Chinese desserts over time. As such, the source proves its relevance since the author can be deemed to be a renowned professional in the field of Chinese desserts.
Martell, Jess. “Chinese New Year Desserts» 7 Sweets to Welcome New Year.” (2020)
The above single-authored paper, shall majorly be used in the “New Year Desserts” section of the Wikipedia page. The paper by Martell seeks to offer knowledge on the authenticity of Chinese culture and the major New Year cultural Spring Festival during which some of the desserts mentioned are served. The Spring Festival, according to the author of this article, is a family event and is very important in Chinese culture. The various desserts and treats consumed in the course of this cultural festival, include: turnip cake, ai wo-wo and nian gao among many others. These desserts are majorly sugary food items and are normally prepared and served to wish the person being served good luck in the years to come. The author is an esteemed scholar on Chinese desserts and this paper shall provide necessary information on Chinese New Year desserts and their significance to the Chinese Culture and heritage. Consequently, the paper is relevant to this research and study.
Azari, Aryana. “8 sweet, savoury, and delicious Chinese desserts you have to try. Matador Network, 2019, https://matadornetwork.com/read/sweet-savory-delicious-chinese-desserts
The above journal shall primarily be used in the “Savoury Chinese Desserts” section of the Wikipedia page. According to the author, majority of the Chinese desserts are sugar-based. The most savoury of Chinese desserts according to this author are: dragon’s beard candy, lou po beng and dàntǎ among numerous others. These sweet desserts are some of the most relished desserts and some of them even have legends tied to their origins, for instance, the lou po beng. The author remains one of the most experienced persons in asserting some of the most savoury of Chinese desserts which also have interesting legends as appertaining to their origins. As a result, her work is an invaluable tool in our study.
“China’s Most Popular Desserts and Sweet Foods”. Chinahighlights.Com, 2021, https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-chinese-desserts.htm#:~:text=Top%2010%20Most%20Popular%20Chinese%20Desserts&text=Desserts%20in%20China%20are%20quite,%20almond%20jelly%2C%20and%20grass%20jelly
The above article would be used in the “Chinese Most Popular Desserts” section of the Wikipedia page. The source stated above will help us understand the depth to which the popularity index of Chinese desserts has increased over the years as well as their level of appreciation on a global scale by other nationalities. Based on the popularity index of most popular foods in the world, Chinese desserts remain to be one of the most sought-after and relished desserts. The most popular Chinese desserts are: red bean bun, tanghulu and deep-fried durian among many others. These desserts are exquisite in terms of their tastes smell and even methods of preparation which sometimes may be considered as an art. The source proves its relevance since the author can be deemed to be a renowned professional in the field of Chinese desserts.
“14 Chinese Desserts 甜点 All Across China”. Medium, 2016, https://medium.com/@spoonhunt/14-chinese-desserts-%E7%94%9C%E7%82%B9-all-across-china-8c82349d1490
The above article shall primarily be used in the “Sugary and Healthy Chinese Desserts from Different Chinese Provinces” section of the Wikipedia page. The source above will not only reiterate the fact that Chinese desserts are sweet and primarily made of sugar, but also seek to analyse their other uses and values in the traditional Chinese society such as offering medicinal value. The author discusses the various cities with respect to their signature desserts. Some of these may include: Shanghai, Nanjing, Sichuan and Guangzhou. The author in this publication, depict their prowess and knowledge of Chinese desserts through this paper and other works. In this regard, the information is essential for the understanding of the amazing health benefits of Chinese desserts and their primary component which is sugar. Characteristically, this source is relevant for use in our paper.