Why do we eat ginger duck during the winter solstice?

　　The winter solstice is one of the most important solar terms among the twenty-four solar terms. It is known as "the winter solstice is as big as the new year". On this day, all parts of the country have unique food customs. For example, the north eats dumplings, while the south prefers ginger duck. Especially in Xiamen, Taiwan and other places, eating ginger duck during the winter solstice has almost become a "standard dish". So, why do we eat ginger duck during the Winter Solstice? Behind this is not only the inheritance of taste, but also profound health wisdom.

Why do we eat ginger duck during the winter solstice?

　　1. Keep warm from cold

　　The winter solstice is the coldest solar term of the year, and low temperatures can easily cause cold air to invade the body. The ginger in Ginger Duck has been stewed for a long time, and the warm air is more easily absorbed by the human body. It can dispel the cold air in the body, warm the body, and help resist the stimulation of blood vessels and joints by low temperatures in winter, which meets the needs of winter solstice cold prevention and health preservation.

　　2. Nourish Qi and blood

　　A kind of mineral, it is warm in nature and not drying. When stewed with ginger, red dates and other ingredients, it can replenish the energy consumed by the human body in winter. The nutrients in the ingredients work together to nourish Qi and blood, improve problems such as poor Qi and blood, cold hands and feet caused by cold in winter, and enhance the body's resistance.

　　3. Comply with traditional food customs

　　Eating ginger duck during the winter solstice is a long-standing custom in many places. The ancients believed that tonic is needed in winter to maintain vitality. Ginger duck is both delicious and nourishing, making it the first choice for tonic during the winter solstice. Inheriting this custom is not only a continuation of traditional culture, but also contains people's good expectations of conditioning their bodies through diet and welcoming the cold winter.

　　4. Increase appetite

　　The cold in winter can easily lead to weakened spleen and stomach functions and poor appetite. The spicy taste of ginger in ginger duck can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, and the delicious aroma of duck meat can also awaken the taste buds. The combination of the two gives the dishes a unique flavor, which can not only increase appetite, but also supplement nutrients for the body, helping people maintain a good mental state in the cold winter.

Things to note when eating ginger duck during the Winter Solstice

　　1. People with hot and dry constitution should eat in moderation.

　　Ginger duck is generally warm. People with hot and dry constitutions who consume it excessively may experience symptoms of internal heat such as dry mouth and sore throat. When these people eat, they can eat it with cool ingredients such as winter melon and white radish, or reduce the amount of food they eat to avoid the accumulation of warm air in the body and balance the cold and heat properties of the diet.

　　2. Control the amount and frequency of consumption

　　Ginger duck has a high fat content. Excessive consumption can easily lead to excessive calorie intake, increase body weight and gastrointestinal burden. It is recommended to eat it in moderation before and after the winter solstice, with no more than 100 grams per serving, and it should not be eaten frequently. Especially patients with cardiovascular disease and those with weak digestive functions need to pay special attention to a balanced diet.

　　3. Select carefully for special groups

　　Patients with high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia should choose ginger duck made with skinless duck meat to reduce fat and cholesterol intake； Pregnant women, lactating women, and those with colds and fevers need to eat with caution according to their own conditions to avoid the irritating properties of ginger or the nourishing properties of ingredients that may affect their physical condition. Consult professionals when necessary.

　　Eating ginger duck during the winter solstice is not only a local custom, but also a way to maintain health in accordance with the weather. It is warm but not dry, tonic but not greasy, and has become a representative delicacy for winter tonic in the south. On this coldest day, the whole family sits around and shares a hot pot of ginger duck, which warms the body and nourishes the heart.