Chinese New Year 2019: The Year of the Pig Inspired Recipes
February 1, 2019
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Fanghong
February 5, 2019 marks the Chinese New Year and millions of observers across the globe will be celebrating this auspicious occasion. Each year is represented by one animal in the Chinese Zodiac and 2019 is the year of the pig – a Niman Ranch favorite! We couldn’t resist sharing some Chinese New Year inspired all-natural pork recipes to celebrate.
It is believed that those born in the year 2019 will be shaped by certain characteristics associated with the pig—a carefree, lucky animal. People born in the year of the pig are often considered happy, easygoing, honest, trusting, educated, sincere and brave. In Chinese culture, pigs are also the sign of wealth.
The Lunar New Year is very significant in the Chinese culture. Being with family and eating lots of food, is prioritized. Over the 40-day period of new year festivities called Spring Festival, it is estimated that people take 2.5 billion trips by land, 356 million by rail, 58 million by plane and 43 million by sea. These festivities always include an elaborate family feast that varies by region and family. Popular dishes include spring rolls, dumplings, niango (a rice cake) and fish—signifying wealth, happiness, family and longevity.
The Lunar New Year is very significant in the Chinese culture and being with family in celebration, and eating lots of food, is prioritized. It is such an important holiday season for the culture that over the 40-day period of new year festivities—called Spring Festival—it is estimated that the nation makes some 2.5 billion trips by land, 356 million by rail, 58 million by plane and 43 million by sea. These festivities are kicked off on the New Year’s Eve, observed with an elaborate family feast. While the feast varies by region and family, popular dishes include spring rolls, dumplings, niango (a rice cake) and fish—signifying wealth, happiness, family and longevity.
Many observers of the holiday celebrate the new year by praying to the gods for luck. Traditionally an agrarian society, the Chinese would often pray for a good planting and harvest season. We share in these hopes and wish all a happy, healthy and bountiful new year.
Chinese New Year Inspired All-Natural Pork Recipe
Join Niman Ranch in celebrating the year of the pig by preparing one of the following recipes featuring our sustainably and humanely raised all-natural pork:
- Grilled Asian Pork Chop with Corn and Edamame Salad
- Ginger Asian Dumplings Made with Italian Sweet Sausage
- Five-Spice Pork Ribs with Ginger, Soy and Sesame
Happy New Year – or 新年快乐!
