Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Culture of Food in China

ProducingPreparingSharing

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Producing

“The Chinese don’t farm so much as they garden”

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Producing

Long standing policy of self sufficiency in ChinaEat what is produced nearby

Therefore very freshLimited diet in some areas

Meat in high desert & Mongolia Fish in southeast

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Crop distribution

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

National Geo land use

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/map-machine#theme=Land%20Use&c=95.0310559006211|34.8819875776397&sf=36937199.8213571 Map machine, see satellite view

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Production facts

21% of world’s population in China9% of the arable landPoorly distributed water resources8% of population lives on less than $1 per dayFinancial Gap between urban & rural is growing

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

China eyes overseas land

Min of Ag. Drafted proposal to buy/rent farm land in Africa & South America China losing self sufficiency as rising wealth demands more meat Raising meat requires imported feed or grazing land which is now planted with food crops

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Rising prices

1st quarter of 2008, food prices rose 25%“perfect storm” of high demand, tight supply & market opening will drive food importsSoybean imports tripled in last 3-4 years

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Preparing

Confucian ideas of Li & Xiao drive the preparation of meals

Li is ritual, customs, etiquetteXiao is filial responsibility

Family as pervasive model of order

Sharing preparation of the meal is ritualisticPlanning, shopping, chopping, wokingGroup interaction creates community

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Noodle making

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rfu1ZHiMP8&NR=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pZOntkR7Sk&NR=1Dumpling making for New Year

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRdA_aUVyC4

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Combine foods to create diversity

Chop food in different shapes Sear it to save nutrientsPut foods together to create enhanced relationship

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Idea of harmony emerges out of the procedure & ritual of eating

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Sharing a meal

When the Western world was sending missionaries

Why did the Chinese send chefs?

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Greeting in rural areas

“have you had your meal?”

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Ritual of eating

Round table serves as altar of sortsCommon plates foster community

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Fish as abundance

Word for fish sounds like abundanceSo the fish is presented last at a banquetIndicates that there is more in the kitchen if you

want ithttp://vimeo.com/4087676 “food in China”

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

NO Waste

The idea is to keep the stomach full and the trash can empty

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Symbol of Imperial States

Honoring ancestors with food on altarBronze Ding

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Videos

Street food in Beijing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8wcQzn990o

Unusual food http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLs8rgUtq_I

Emperor’s food http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PAek2fTZpM

Jessica Stowell, University of OK

Fast Food in China

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=808040415