介绍:
The Silk Road has brought about economic and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, as well as a variety of new foreign produce to foodies. As a result, new fruit and vegetables have appeared on Chinese people’s dining tables ever since.
Grapes: Originating in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, the grape entered China from Dayuan during the Western Han Dynasty. Dayuan was an ancient country in the Ferghana Valley in central Asia, which was famous for grapes, alfalfa and horses.
Pomegranates: The pomegranate originated in the region of modern-day Iran and has been planted since ancient times around the Mediterranean and northern India. The fruit was introduced to China during the Tang Dynasty and was considered a symbol of fertility.
Walnuts: Brought back by Zhang Qian, the walnut is also known as the longevity fruit. It can warm and give energy to the body, and often serves as a key ingredient in Chinese desserts.
Garlic: Garlic is native to southern Europe and central Asia. During the Western Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian introduced this species to China. During ancient times in China, foreign tribes were referred to as “Hu troops”, so garlic was originally referred to as “Hu garlic”.
Dates: The date palm was planted for its edible sweet fruit. Ancient people in the Middle East ate the palm dates. The tree juices were fermented into wine. The trunks of the palm trees were used as construction materials. And the palm leaves were used to make baskets, mats, ropes and furniture.
Watermelon: Watermelon, which originated in the deserts of Africa, was brought along the Silk Road to western China and ancient Ouigour, located in today’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
