What would you think if you saw someone take a big bite out of a fresh piece of raw garlic at an upscale restaraunt? Would you be shocked? Would you think it’s a new diet trend? Most Westerners would find the idea of eating raw garlic odd and maybe even a little repulsive but as they say, don’t knock it till you try it.
If you happen to be in a Chinese restaurant, relax. The person you are watching is simply enjoying dumplings in a traditional way that many Chinese (and foreigners alike) still adore.
Dumplings have long been an iconic and cherished dish in northern Chinese culture. They have brought people together for hundreds of years. They even play a special role in Chinese Lunar New Year, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Families gather at this time to wrap and eat dumplings together while reflecting on the past year, recalling past memories, and sharing hope for the coming year. If you grew up in a Chinese family, some of your fondest memories may be from times when your family and friends gathered together over a plate of dumplings. They truly nourish and warm the hearts of Chinese and foreigners alike.
With such a long-loved dish, there are many condiments and sides to accompany it. Chinese dumplings make great friends with many sides such as soy sauce, vinegar, and oyster sauce but possibly the oldest and most interesting is the humble garlic clove.
Cheap, easy to find, and easy to prepare, garlic has been a staple ingredient in Chinese cooking for thousands of years. Garlic’s powerful taste makes it an interesting companion to the savory and doughy dumpling. Simply take a bite of a dumpling followed by a bite of raw garlic and your tongue will tell you why this combination has been cherished by the Chinese people.
Besides the great taste, garlic has been a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Today, modern medicine studies have shown raw garlic may play a role in reducing cancer rates, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the chance of heart disease. Truly a delicious ingredient you can feel good about eating. 好吃 — delicious.
So next time you find yourself eating dumplings, ask your waiter for a piece of raw garlic and experience a time-tested, much-loved flavor combination.
