Chinese Food

now holds a popular place among the entire population of the world. You'll find a Chinese restaurant in every major city and in many smaller areas of the world too. Why is Chinese food so popular? What about food China is healthy? What is the history of Chinese food?

The history of Chinese food 
The history of Chinese food1 is interesting. Unlike many cultures the Chinese believe that food preparation is an art and not simply a craft. The art of cooking Chinese food can include dishes and food preparation techniques which are difficult to develop and may require the expertise of an experienced chef. One such technique is noodle pulling (scroll down to the bottom of the page to learn more about this technique). Noodle pulling requires skill and lots of practice and results in a bowl of delicious noodles. This article will refer to noodle pulling later, but for now, back to the history of Chinese food.

Chinese food and the way it is prepared is much influenced by the two major philosophies, which influence the entire Chinese culture. These dominant philosophies are Confucianism and Taoism. Both have these philosophies have influenced the way that the Chinese people cook and the way they enjoy their meal.

Confucianism and Chinese cuisine 
Confucius was the man behind the Confucianism beliefs. Among many other standards Confucius established standards for proper table etiquette and for the appearance and taste of Chinese food. One of the standards set by Confucius (you might have noticed this at an authentic Chinese restaurant) it is that food must be cut into small small pieces before serving the dish. This is a custom that is definitely unique to the Chinese culture.

Knives on the table are also considered to be a sign of very poor taste by those who embrace Confucianism beliefs. Standards of quality and taste that perfect blend of ingredients, herbs and spices, a mixture resulting in the perfect combination of taste Confucius recommended required. Confucius also emphasized the importance of the texture and color of a dish, and taught that food must be prepared and eaten with harmony. Interestingly, Confucius was also of the opinion that an excellent cook must first make an excellent matchmaker.

Taoism and Chinese cuisine 
Those who follow the approach of the beliefs of Taoism in health benefits of particular foods vs. the presentation of it. Taoists seek foods that will increase their health and longevity. They look for foods that have healing powers. Many times these benefits were often referred to as 'life giving powers'. For example, the Chinese found that ginger, which can be considered a garnish or a condiment was found to be a remedy for upset stomachs or a remedy for colds.

What about food China is healthy? 
Chinese food, when authentic is probably the healthiest food in the world. Some restaurants, which are not authentic, prepare their menu with highly saturated fats or with meats that contain unhealthy amounts of animal fat. These Chinese restaurants are not recommended and they are authentic nor healthy.

However, good Chinese food is prepared and cooked with polyunsaturated oils. Authentic Chinese food does not require the use of milk-fat ingredients such as cream, butter or cheese. Meat is used, but not in abundance, which makes it easy for those who love authentic Chinese food to avoid high levels of animal fat. Many believe that authentic Chinese food is really the ideal diet.

Chinese restaurants in every part of the nation 
Whether in a Chinese restaurant in Tennessee to a Chinese restaurant in New York that they will find culinary dishes that are delicious and healthy. Savor the flavor with Chinese food.