Today, November 22, 2025, as Xiaoxue – or Minor Snow – marked its arrival on the traditional Chinese calendar, a Huzhou kindergarten in Zhejiang Province in the Chinese mainland hosted a lively workshop titled "Welcoming Minor Snow with Winter Pickles."
Minor Snow is the fifth of the 24 solar terms, signaling cooler days and the start of peak harvest for winter vegetables. This year, dozens of 5- to 6-year-olds rolled up their sleeves to learn ancient pickling techniques that turn simple produce into lifelong staples.
Under the guidance of their teachers, students:
- Learned how to salt, mash, and press local radishes, cucumbers and mustard greens.
- Explored natural fermentation, discovering how microbes transform flavors and preserve food.
- Compared pickling traditions worldwide – from sauerkraut in Europe to kimchi in Korea and achar in India.
"By hands-on experience, kids grasp how seasonal rhythms shape culture and cuisine," said their teacher, Ms. Li. "They see that sustainable food preservation links communities across the globe."
Fermentation is more than a culinary trick: it's a global phenomenon. Scientists have identified over 1,500 types of fermented foods, fueling a $100 billion market that spans continents and cultures. For these young learners, a humble jar of winter pickles became a window into world heritage and environmental stewardship.
As the jars seal in salty sunshine and the first flakes of snow dust the playground, this kindergarten's celebration reminds us that age-old traditions can inspire tomorrow's global citizens.
Reference(s):
Minor Snow solar term inspires kids to explore pickling traditions
cgtn.com
