Description
“The Chile Pepper in China: A Cultural Biography” delves into the rich history and significance of the chili pepper in Chinese cuisine and culture. From its introduction to China by Portuguese traders in the 16th century to its widespread adoption and adaptation in various regional cuisines, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of how the chili pepper has transformed Chinese culinary traditions.
Price: $24.00
(as of Apr 24, 2024 00:55:18 UTC – Details)
If you’re a history buff or a food enthusiast, “The Chile Pepper in China: A Cultural Biography” is a must-read. This book dives deep into the fascinating story of how the Chile pepper made its way into Chinese cuisine and culture.
Exploring the origins of the Chile pepper
One of the most intriguing aspects of this book is its exploration of the origins of the Chile pepper in China. The author delves into the history of how this fiery ingredient became a staple in Chinese cooking, tracing its roots back to ancient times.
Discovering the cultural significance
Beyond its culinary uses, the Chile pepper holds a special place in Chinese culture. “The Chile Pepper in China” sheds light on the cultural significance of this ingredient, exploring its role in traditional medicine, folklore, and even religious practices.
Uncovering unique recipes and cooking techniques
If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, you’ll love the unique recipes and cooking techniques featured in this book. From Sichuan hot pot to Hunan stir-fry, “The Chile Pepper in China” offers a treasure trove of mouth-watering dishes for you to try at home.
Understanding the impact on trade and globalization
The Chile pepper’s journey to China is not just a culinary tale – it also has profound implications for trade and globalization. The book explores how the introduction of this ingredient influenced Chinese trade routes and cultural exchange with other countries.
Appreciating the vibrant illustrations
In addition to its rich content, “The Chile Pepper in China” is beautifully illustrated with vibrant images that bring the story to life. Whether you’re flipping through the pages or displaying it on your coffee table, this book is a visual treat.
Overall, “The Chile Pepper in China: A Cultural Biography” is a captivating read that will appeal to anyone interested in food, history, or culture. With its engaging storytelling and in-depth research, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Chinese cuisine and the humble Chile pepper. Get your copy today and embark on a culinary journey unlike any other.
Price: $24.00
(as of Apr 24, 2024 00:55:18 UTC – Details)
Product Description
Chinese cuisine without chile peppers seems unimaginable. Entranced by the fiery taste, diners worldwide have fallen for Chinese cooking. In China, chiles are everywhere, from dried peppers hanging from eaves to Mao’s boast that revolution would be impossible without chiles, from the eighteenth-century novel Dream of the Red Chamber to contemporary music videos. Indeed, they are so common that many Chinese assume they are native. Yet there were no chiles anywhere in China prior to the 1570s, when they were introduced from the Americas.
Brian R. Dott explores how the nonnative chile went from obscurity to ubiquity in China, influencing not just cuisine but also medicine, language, and cultural identity. He details how its versatility became essential to a variety of regional cuisines and swayed both elite and popular medical and healing practices. Dott tracks the cultural meaning of the chile across a wide swath of literary texts and artworks, revealing how the spread of chiles fundamentally altered the meaning of the term spicy. He emphasizes the intersection between food and gender, tracing the chile as a symbol for both male virility and female passion. Integrating food studies, the history of medicine, and Chinese cultural history, The Chile Pepper in China sheds new light on the piquant cultural impact of a potent plant and raises broader questions regarding notions of authenticity in cuisine.
Publisher : Columbia University Press (February 13, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 296 pages
ISBN-10 : 0231195338
ISBN-13 : 978-0231195331
Item Weight : 12 ounces
Dimensions : 5 x 0.75 x 8 inches
Price: $24.00
(as of Apr 24, 2024 00:55:18 UTC – Details)
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