Dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi 🥟): The 1800 years of history.
Chinese dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi 🥟), shaped like the human ear are said to be about 1800 years old. Although people love to call dumplings to as ‘ 饺子jiaozi’, they were originally named ‘jiao’er for its shape of “tender ears”. They are popular across China, but are considered a staple in North China. They are commonly consumed throughout the year, particularly on special occasions such as Chinese New Year. In this article, we will learn more about the Origin, types and the various fillings used in making the famous delicacy embedded in Chinese culture.
Where did dumplings come from?
There are various stories on the origin of dumplings, however, the story that the delicacy was invented as a cure to frostbitten ears stands out. 1800 years ago, folktale has it that most of the common people in China didn’t have enough clothes to keep themselves warm and suffered from hunger and extensive cold during winter. Zhang Zhongjing, a medical practitioner, upon returning to his ancestral village after a long period of absence realized the frostbitten ears was becoming a pandemic in his community. He prepared stewed lamb, pepper, and herbs, which he diced and wrapped in small dough wrappers. These dumplings were then boiled and offered with broth to his patients as a remedy. The herbs used by Zhang Zhongjing promoted blood circulation The ear shape of Chinese dumplings is most likely due to its use in ancient China to cure frostbitten ears.
Are there different types of dumplings?
Yes, there are different types of dumplings. Chinese dumplings differ in terms of the ingredients used and the method in which they are cooked. The three most popular forms of dumplings are boiled, steamed, and pan-fried. Dumplings can also be wrapped in various shapes to distinguish between different sorts. To truly experience the original flavours of Chinese dumplings, you must visit China. Not only do the cooking methods change, but dumplings also have various names in Chinese:
煎饺子 (jiān jiǎozi, fried dumplings)
水饺 (shuǐjiǎo, boiled dumplings)
What are the fillings in a dumpling?
As dumpling became popular among the people, so did the fillings change over time. People began to make their own dumplings during the winter. While the origin of dumplings had a filling of just lamb, black pepper and a few herbs, since then, many other types of fillings have been encouraged and tried. People modified the fillings of Zhang Zhongjing by including their preferred vegetables or meat. Every type of filling has an importance that has been carried about traditionally.
þ A filling made of beef is thought to have encouraged financial growth.
þ Those made of fish could signify a surplus of wealth for the diner.
þ Good luck and wealth for another hundred years are believed to be brought by fillings made of cabbage.
þ Celery dumplings could bring about money as it signifies diligence.
þ Mushroom dumplings bring fortune and wealth to all those who eat them.
Dumpling is not only a significant part of Chinese history and culture but also signifies the importance of pragmatism and problem-solving nature of the Chinese people. Are you considering learning Chinese or exploring Chinese culture and history, book a free class today.
Keywords: Chinese dumplings, dumplings, learn Chinese, history of dumpling, mandarin
