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From the Tang Dynasty to the present: How did Baijiu become China's national liquor?
Baijiu, as China's traditional alcoholic beverage, has occupied an important position in China's food culture since ancient times. Its history can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. With the development of distillation technology, baijiu has gradually evolved into its present form and become a representative of Chinese beverages. This article will explore the development of baijiu from its historical context in the Tang Dynasty to its changes on the modern international stage.
The origin and evolution of liquor
Baijiu became popular during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and was described in the poems of the poets Bai Juyi and Yong Tao. With the development of commerce, the prosperity of cities in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) led to the proliferation of taverns and the rapid growth of liquor consumption. The alcohol content of liquor at that time was probably only about 15%, which is much weaker than modern liquor.The evolution of baijiu is closely tied to China's historical development, especially at the intersection of technology and culture.
Scientific and technological progress in the Yuan and Ming dynasties
During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), distillation technology from the Middle East was introduced to China, which significantly improved the production technology of liquor. Baijiu began to approach its modern form during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as distillation technology matured. The detailed description of liquor in Li Shizhen's Compendium of Materia Medica has become another symbol of the development of liquor.Baijiu Brewing Technology
The "qu" used in the brewing process of liquor is the key to its unique flavor. The koji derived from wheat or rice can enable the liquor to achieve simultaneous saccharification and fermentation during the solid-state fermentation process. This technical feature is an important characteristic of East Asian winemaking, and the stability of the production process and the diversity of flavors make the liquors from different origins unique.Traditional and modern drinking customs
Chinese liquor is usually served in small glasses at room temperature and is traditionally drunk with meals rather than on its own. Guests usually need to communicate about their taste and feelings about liquor, which is also an important part of liquor culture. In modern society, these ritual behaviors have gradually been simplified, and healthy "cheers" have become more common at social gatherings.The status of liquor in commercial culture
In business meetings in China, baijiu is often seen as a bridge to build trust and friendship. At the dinner table, the irresistible offer of liquor often becomes the standard for measuring a person's attentiveness. The deep-rooted drinking culture sometimes leads to some young people's resistance to liquor, but this rejection has gradually changed with the times.Liquor in the international market
With the advancement of globalization, the market for liquor has gradually expanded internationally. In 2018, global sales of baijiu reached 1.08 billion liters, exceeding the total of other spirits such as whiskey and vodka. With the promotion of Chinese drinking culture, more and more foreign bars and restaurants have begun to include white wine in their drink lists.Diversity of regions and flavors
There are many types of liquor. According to different brewing methods, geographical locations, raw materials and aromas, liquor is divided into many categories such as strong aroma, sauce aroma, rice aroma, etc. For example, Wuliangye from Sichuan and Maotai from Guizhou are loved all over the world for their unique brewing techniques and flavor characteristics.Conclusion
The evolution of baijiu has spanned thousands of years, and both archaeological evidence and the promotion of modern bars provide an important window into Chinese culture. How this traditional alcoholic beverage continues to maintain its cultural importance in the contemporary world and how it can gain a place in the global wine market has undoubtedly aroused the curiosity and thinking of many people. What’s next for liquor?Trending Knowledge
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