Major Snow in Taizhou: Kindergarteners Hand-Cure Preserved Pork

Major Snow in Taizhou: Kids Discover the Art of Preserved Pork

December 7 marks Major Snow, one of the 24 solar terms, as temperatures drop and humidity fades across the Chinese mainland. To celebrate, a kindergarten in Taizhou invited its youngest learners to master the time-honored ritual of hand-curing preserved pork.

Wearing miniature aprons, children learned how to rub premium cuts with salt, spices, and traditional marinades before hanging them to air-dry. Each step was a lesson in patience, local flavors, and community customs that date back generations.

The teacher explains that the workshop helps students connect with nature's rhythms and appreciate how Major Snow signals a shift in seasons—perfect for learning about food preservation and heritage.

Across the Chinese mainland, families use this period to transform fresh pork into savory hocks and sausages. The dry, cold air prevents spoilage, allowing flavors to intensify over weeks of curing.

For global citizens intrigued by sustainable practices, preserved pork offers a peek into resourceful food traditions. Similar to charcuterie in Europe or ham curing in the Middle East, this technique reduces waste and highlights local ingredients.

Travelers and digital nomads visiting Taizhou can join community workshops to explore these culinary customs firsthand—blending taste, history, and sustainability in every bite.

Reference(s):

Major Snow: A time to make preserved pork

cgtn.com