On December 6th, the Major Snow arrived, which is the 21st of the 24 Solar Terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, indicating the start of the midwinter season. Major Snow usually signals a significant drop in temperature and an increase in precipitation. Although Guangdong doesn't see the snowflakes fluttering like in the north, the unique charm of the Major Snow solar term is still vividly felt here.
Eating mutton
In terms of cuisine, mutton becomes the star of the dining table. Guangdong people stew mutton with water chestnuts, bamboo sugar cane, and tofu sticks, resulting in tender and juicy mutton with a rich broth. Each bite brings a warm and comforting sensation.
Roasting sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are also a favorite food of Guangdong people during the Major Snow solar term. Roasted sweet potatoes are steaming hot and fragrant, with a golden-yellow, soft, and sweet flesh inside when the skin is peeled off. Sweet potato syrup, which combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with sugar water and ginger slices, is a warming and delicious dessert that is most soothing in winter.
Cooking with cured meats
Guangdong's cured meats, such as lap cheong (Chinese sausage) and preserved pork, emit a strong aroma due to their unique curing and drying processes. During the Major Snow solar term, these cured meats often appear on family dining tables. Steamed lap cheong fills the air with its fragrance, and families gather around to share, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere. This is the taste of home during the Major Snow solar term in Guangdong.
Although Guangdong doesn't experience the icy and snowy landscape of the north during the Major Snow solar term, it has its own unique flavor and rich customs.
Author: Huang Qini, Huang Xinying, Che Zhenqing
Editor: Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
(Images generated with AI assistance)
