• On Oct, 02, 2024
•  ladyrecipes
•  Recipes

Egg Drop Soup In Ancient Chinese Texts: Early Mentions And Recipes

Mentions in Ancient Texts

Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE)

Mentions in Ancient Texts, Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE)

The term “mentions” in the context of historic texts primarily refers to references made to a selected subject or matter within historic paperwork. In the case of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) of historic China, there is limited direct proof or explicit mentions of egg drop soup in early written sources.

• Oracle Bone Inscriptions: Oracle bone inscriptions, a form of divination used through the Shang Dynasty (predecessor to the Zhou Dynasty), comprise references to eggs and egg-related practices. However, there is not any particular mention of egg drop soup inside these inscriptions.
• Bronzeware Inscriptions: Bronzeware vessels from the Zhou Dynasty usually feature intricate designs and inscriptions. While these inscriptions might provide useful insights into social, non secular, and cultural practices, they do not explicitly point out egg drop soup.
• Early Literary Texts: Literary texts from the early Zhou Dynasty, such because the “Shijing” (Classic of Poetry), contain references to eggs and their use as food. However, these references do not present particular details about egg drop soup.
• Later Literary Sources: It is primarily in later texts, such as the “Liji” (Book of Rites) compiled through the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), that we find extra detailed descriptions of egg drop soup and its preparation.

Therefore, whereas there may be some oblique proof of egg consumption through the Zhou Dynasty, direct references to egg drop soup in early written sources stay restricted.

Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE)

Mentions in Ancient Texts, Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE)

The earliest recognized written point out of egg drop soup seems in the Han Dynasty medical textual content, the “Huangdi Neijing.” The text describes a soup made with eggs, water, and salt, and recommends it as a remedy for various ailments, including indigestion and fatigue.

Another early point out of egg drop soup may be discovered within the “Shijing,” or “Book of Songs,” a group of ancient Chinese poetry. One poem, relationship back to the sixth century BCE, describes a soup made with eggs, water, and vegetables. This suggests that egg drop soup was already a preferred dish among the many Chinese people throughout this time period.

During the Han Dynasty, egg drop soup was additionally talked about in several different medical texts, together with the “Shennong Bencaojing” and the “Mawangdui Medical Manuscripts.” These texts provide extra detailed instructions on the means to put together egg drop soup, and likewise list the various medicinal properties of the dish.

In addition to being used as a medicinal meals, egg drop soup was also loved as an everyday a part of the Chinese food plan. The dish is mentioned in a number of culinary texts from the Han Dynasty, together with the “Suiyuan Shidan” and the “Yinshan Zhengyao.” These texts present recipes for egg drop soup, as well as recommendations on how to make the dish extra flavorful.

The reputation of egg drop soup continued to develop throughout the centuries, and it will definitely grew to become one of the most popular dishes in Chinese delicacies. Today, egg drop soup is enjoyed by individuals everywhere in the world, and it remains a staple of Chinese restaurants.

Early Recipes

Shizhenlu (1330 CE)

Shizhenlu (1330 CE) accommodates the earliest known recipe for egg drop soup:

“Beat eggs with green onion, ginger and salt. Strain through cheesecloth right into a pot of boiling salted water. Cook till set.”

Shizhenlu is the earliest known Chinese cookbook. It accommodates over 200 recipes, including soup, meats, fish, vegetables, and desserts. The book additionally consists of medical information and herbal remedies.

Egg drop soup is a popular Chinese dish that’s typically served as a starter or light meal. It is made with eggs, green onion, ginger, salt, and water. The eggs are beaten after which strained via cheesecloth into a pot of boiling salted water. The soup is cooked till the eggs are set.

Yinshan Zhengyao (1330 CE)

In the early 14th century, the Yinshan Zhengyao (1330 CE) medical text offers a recipe for egg drop soup that’s just like the fashionable model. The recipe calls for one egg, one cup of water, and a pinch of salt. The egg is overwhelmed in a bowl after which added to the boiling water. The soup is then cooked till the egg is about.

This recipe is important as a outcome of it is probably considered one of the earliest identified written recipes for egg drop soup. It additionally reveals that egg drop soup was a popular dish in China in the course of the Yuan dynasty.

The Yinshan Zhengyao is a medical text that was compiled by the physician Hu Sihui. The text accommodates quite so much of medical information, including recipes for foods and drinks. The egg drop soup recipe is discovered within the part on soups.

The Yinshan Zhengyao is a crucial source of details about Chinese meals and medication in the course of the Yuan dynasty. The egg drop soup recipe is a valuable addition to our understanding of the dietary habits of the people of this period.

Shanghan Lun (220 CE)

Shanghan Lun 傷寒論 (Treatise on Cold Damage) is a medical textual content compiled by Zhang Zhongjing and printed in 220 CE during the Three Kingdoms period.

This text incorporates the earliest recognized recipes for egg drop soup, generally recognized as “Chicken egg yellow soup” (雞子黃散).

The textual content additionally mentions using egg drop soup as a remedy for numerous ailments:

• Chest congestion
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea