Chinese Cuisine - Jiaozi

 Jiaozi

History of the Dumpling:

Jiaozi, a Chinese dumpling is a traditional Chinese dish and one of the most widely loved foods in northern China in ancient times. The name “jiaozi” derives from the ancient time-counting method in China when the Chinese people ate dumplings stuffed with meat and vegetables at the junction of the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year. Now, how did our Dumplings ever get from ancient Northern China to your plate?

•   It is said that the earliest Dumplings were eaten more than 1800 years ago

•  200 A.D.: the “Medicine Saint” Zhang Zhongjing believed he could warm the body, promote blood flow, and thaw ears by feeding his patients mutton, chili and some warming medicinal herbs wrapped in dough skin.

•  1300 A.D.: Marco Polo explores China and returns to Europe with tales and recipes of Chinese Dumplings.

•   1650 A.D.: The word pierogi first appears in Polish cookbooks and literature, the cousin of Dumplings spreads throughout Europe.

•  1800 A.D.: Chinese immigrants from Canton began settling in California and start to introduce Asian Cuisine to the American Culture.

•   1920 A.D.: Chinese Cuisine becomes popular with young cosmopolitans in North America because it was considered exotic.

•   June 2014: Ying and Ching, an Ottawa couple devoted to bringing the best of the East to the West, opened Dumpling Bowl to the existing Bubblicity Tea Shop.

To this day, Dumpling Bowl makes the freshest, handmade Dumplings in Ottawa everyday that never fails to leave stomachs empty! Our mission is to bring the most healthy and delicious dumplings to Ottawa. We hand pick the freshest ingredients from grocers on Somerset street every day. We hand wrap our dumplings to lock in the right amount of flavour and to reach the most desirable shape and chewiness. We hope you enjoy our labour of love!

The Traditions

Beyond its medicinal qualities, the Chinese dumpling has adopted a celebratory significance in contemporary society. These dumplings are a New Year’s Tradition and it is believed that you cannot welcome the new year without this traditional dish. Dumplings represent happiness and celebration and are typically served on Chinese New Year’s, which occurs during the Spring Festival.

The Fillings

The small, precise shape of an authentic Chinese dumpling is intended to mimic the look of gold or silver “ingots”, which are good-luck coins. It is common to place a coin inside each dumpling Spring Festival Eve, a Chinese holiday in February this year. These savory pouches often contain meats, seafood, and veggies, though there is no one-way to make these dumplings. These often serve as a main dish on Chinese tables.

Sometimes, the fillings signify something that you hope to gain from eating the snack, such as:

Beef dumplings are thought to encourage economic growth.

Fish dumplings could mean a surplus of wealth for the diner.

Celery stuffing is associated with industriousness, which could lead to money.

Cabbage filling will bring good luck and wealth for the next hundred years!

Mushrooms are used to bring wealth and good fortune to those eating them.

The Preparation

There is a lot of preparation and culinary work involved in making these Chinese dumplings. It is a bonding experience among many families, as making dumplings can be a laborious, time-consuming task.

The Popularity

In many parts of the world, and in China, steamed or boiled dumplings are a mainstay of the diet. These dumplings are quickly becoming a chic snack to nosh on in Western society, too. For instance, Chinese-style dumplings are a San Francisco restaurant staple, a region with a Chinese population and influence.

Teach your family about the rich history of the tasty and traditional Chinese dumpling. Visit specialty stores in your area to pick up essentials- rice papers, produce, and poultry- to create your own delicious spin on these Asian treats. Enjoy some insight into the cultural significance and historical meaning behind these tiny filled dumplings!

References  :
http://eatingtheglobe.com/rich-history-chinese-dumpling/
http://www.dumplingbowl.com/?p=1