Broth, My Affection, Bringing Warmth to My Family
Did you know the love for soup dates back to as early as 8000 B.C.? Ancient Eastern communities mastered the art of simmering soup before the invention of pottery, ingeniously using holes lined with animal hide and hot stones to boil water and cook food. This early culinary technique, including making a hearty vegetable and meat potage stored in animal skins, was widespread, reaching as far as the Native Americans, illustrating soup’s timeless and universal appeal.
Soup's significance shone brightly even during the ancient Greek Olympic Games, where athletes would sacrifice goats or calves at the Temple of Zeus, later cooking them in large pots for sharing. This tradition underscored soup as a revered delicacy, symbolizing unity among participants and spectators alike.
In China, the cultural depth of soup is unparalleled. The world's oldest known cookbook, dating back to 2700 B.C., featured over a dozen soup recipes, including the still-celebrated "Quail Egg Drop Soup". Imperial China, too, cherished its soup traditions, with Empress Dowager Cixi favoring an opulent "Chicken and Duck Tongue Soup", a dish reflecting the sophistication and richness of the court's culinary practices.
Soup transcends mere sustenance; it embodies the essence of historical and cultural beauty. From the primitive broths of yesteryears to the refined creations of imperial kitchens, soup's allure remains undiminished, continuing to enchant and resonate with people across the ages.
A Holistic Experience, a Global Broth Phenomenon
No matter how exquisite the dishes are, a delicious bowl of soup always adds warmth and goodness to mealtime. So, why is soup so important? The answer is quite simple: drinking soup before a meal moistens the mouth and esophagus, stimulating the appetite; while drinking soup after a meal freshens the mouth and helps with digestion. Additionally, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), drinking soup is believed to invigorate the spleen, moisten the throat, warm the stomach, and nourish the body. Soup plays a very important role in preventing illness, promoting health, maintaining health, treating illness, and enhancing beauty, making it an irreplaceable health tonic.
In different cultural backgrounds, people have different preferences and ways of using soup. For example, Koreans believe that "Seaweed Soup" has good medicinal effects, and it is consumed to supplement nutrition during celebrations such as birthdays or postpartum recovery. Sumo wrestlers in Japan often consume a special sumo hot pot after matches, containing mainly chicken supplemented with leafy vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, tofu, and other rich ingredients to replenish energy and recover from fatigue; while people in coastal Mediterranean and North African countries typically use garlic soup to prevent and treat diseases.
In various countries, people have different preferences and cooking techniques for soup. For example, in the United States, people consume over 30 billion bowls of soup each year, with the most popular being chicken soup, known for its rich nutrition and delicious taste. In France, people take pride in their onion soup, where onions are softened, then topped with a layer of golden-brown cheese, resulting in an incredibly appealing dish. Additionally, soups such as Borscht originating from Ukraine, Gazpacho from sunny Spain, and Cioppino from the famous San Francisco harbor, are all rich in flavor, leaving an everlasting impression and whetting the appetite!
Back in China, soup is regarded as a precious commodity for nourishing the body and improving health. Soups like the Angelica Fish Head Soup for treating headaches, Yellow Eel Soup for nourishing the body, and Pig's Feet Peanut Soup for promoting lactation after childbirth, are crafted to support people's health. Bone broth is also a common soup in daily life, as it not only helps to resist aging but also enhances the body's ability to produce blood cells, slowing down the aging of bones. Beef bone broth is rich in phosphorus, calcium, collagen, and other nutrients, which play an irreplaceable role in promoting microcirculation. Chicken broth is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve respiratory discomfort during colds, especially when paired with healthful ingredients such as red dates, shiitake mushrooms, and Lingzi fungi, making it both delicious and nutritious.
In Vessel Lies Youth; Besides You Dwells Bliss
Did you savor any soup today? Soup is the spice of life, a remedy that comforts the soul, rejuvenates the body, and delivers pure joy. At BROTH, we choose only fresh, nutritious ingredients, simmering them slowly in an organically certified, toxin-free environment to preserve their natural taste and health benefits. The essence of chicken and every product from BROTH is a testament to our dedication and meticulous care, embodying our belief that every ingredient should enrich the body’s wellness and spirit. Healthy eating is our gift to you, aiming to craft a joyful life. Through eight years of dedication, we strive to offer you the finest soups and dishes, with BROTH representing a journey of boundless love and potential. With you in mind, every effort is worthwhile.
Reflecting on the wisdom of the Qing Dynasty gourmet Li Yu, who once stated, 'Better to have soup without dishes than to eat without soup; for without soup, even the most flavorful dishes lose their appeal,' we invite all broth enthusiasts to join us in a celebration of health and exquisite taste, embracing the endless possibilities of happiness that good food brings.