As the old saying goes, "Light snow covers the land, great snow covers the river." The 20th solar term, “Light Snow,” falls on November 22 this year.

Windy days become regular for vast areas of China, and the temperature begins to fall below zero degrees Celsius gradually. During this period, snow began to fall in northern and northeastern China, but the amount of snow was not heavy, so it was called Light Snow or Minor Snow.

The ancient Chinese believed that everything loses vitality after Light Snow since yin and yang no longer meet. People need to wear warm clothes, and eat particular kinds of food to maintain their health, and Chinese dates are one of the most beloved choices.

Containing protein, sugar, organic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, a variety of calcium and amino acid-rich nutrients, red dates are very popular and common ingredients in China. They can also be served as a snack.

Saucy steamed gluten is a traditional Shanghai dish, which is a great appetizer to eat during Light Snow, and ingredients such as red dates, tremella, lotus seeds and daylilies give the dish a layered taste.

Cut steamed gluten into small cubes. Soak the ingredients in water and let them dry. Deep fry steamed gluten cubes. Fry sliced Chinese onions, add Chinese yellow wine and soy sauce. Add water and sliced onions, let it boil. Add fried steamed gluten cubes. Sprinkle some oyster sauce, rock candies and white pepper. Wait for 7-8 minutes, then add in the rest of the ingredients and stew until the sauce is all dry. The nutritious appetizer is ready to serve.

One ritual worth mentioning is cabbage storing, especially in northern and northeastern China. Starting from Light Snow, many seasonal vegetable supplies begin to fall. Chinese cabbage, which is cheap and easy to store, was the perfect choice for housewives 20 years ago.

Storing Chinese cabbage is a traditional activity for many Chinese seniors. Piles of cabbage could be seen in almost every household back then.

People nowadays no longer need to store cabbage for the winter since greenhouses are readily accessible and transportation is so developed that fresh vegetables are available year-round. However, some people continue the tradition because of nostalgia from a bygone era. 

(Cover image designed by Du Chenxin, video shot by Jin Zhaoxuan, edited by Ge Kai and Chen Shi.)