The perception of “weird” foods is often subjective, shaped by cultural norms and personal experiences. What one culture considers a delicacy, another might find unappetizing or even repulsive. This is especially true when it comes to Chinese cuisine, which often includes ingredients and dishes that may seem unusual to Western palates. The recent focus on “bat soup,” wet markets, and the consumption of animals for Traditional Chinese Medicine has sparked curiosity and, at times, criticism. But to truly understand these practices, it’s essential to delve into the historical, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped Chinese food culture.
This article explores the reasons behind the consumption of these “weird” foods, addressing common misconceptions and providing context to the practices. We’ll examine the origins of the “bat soup” narrative, the history of dog meat consumption, and the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the use of animal products. By understanding these aspects, we can gain a more nuanced perspective on Chinese food culture and its impact on global health and conservation efforts.
Is “Bat Soup” the Cause of COVID-19?
The idea of “bat soup” being the origin of COVID-19 gained traction following the pandemic’s outbreak. However, the reality is more complex. “Bat soup,” as it’s been portrayed, is not a common dish in China. While some rural areas in Southern China are known to consume bat meat and entrails for medicinal purposes, it’s not a widespread culinary practice.
The viral video of travel vlogger Wang Mengyun consuming bat soup in Palau, a Pacific Island nation, likely contributed to the misconception. Although bats are suspected to be the origin of COVID-19, the exact transmission route to humans remains unclear. Theories suggest pangolins, whose scales are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, may have acted as an intermediary host, but this is still under investigation.
Following the outbreak, the Wuhan wet market, suspected to be the origin of the virus, was closed, and China implemented a ban on wild animal trade. This reflects a growing awareness of the risks associated with the consumption of wild animals and the need for stricter regulations.
Do Chinese People Really Eat Dog?
The question of whether Chinese people eat dog meat is a sensitive one, often rooted in cultural stereotypes. While it’s true that some Chinese people consume dog meat, it’s not a universal practice, and it’s becoming increasingly less common.
Dog meat consumption has a long history in China, dating back thousands of years. However, in recent decades, it has significantly decreased due to growing awareness of animal welfare and changing cultural values. While dog meat consumption is not illegal, regulations require dogs to be vaccinated before being sold for meat. Moreover, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has reclassified dogs as pets rather than livestock, signaling a potential ban on the sale of dog meat in the near future.
Despite the declining popularity of dog meat, some regional areas, particularly villages, continue the practice. However, millions of Chinese people oppose dog meat consumption, advocating for animal rights and welfare.
What Other “Weird” Meats Do Chinese People Eat?
Beyond the questions surrounding bat and dog, Chinese cuisine incorporates a wide variety of meats, including pheasant, frog, camel, pigeon, and various types of seafood. Many of these foods have historical roots, with some declared safe for consumption as early as the Zhou dynasty.
Historically, meat consumption in China has not always been high. Traditional Chinese cuisine often features dishes with meat as a component, rather than the main focus. Poverty and conflict throughout Chinese history limited meat consumption for the common person, reserving dishes like Peking duck for wealthier families.
Changing cultural habits have led to a greater emphasis on meats like beef, pork, chicken, duck, and seafood, while consumption of meats like camel and dog has declined.
The Problem with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its links to endangered wildlife species and the potential for disease transmission. The use of animal parts, such as pangolin scales, in TCM remedies has been identified as a contributing factor to the illegal wildlife trade and the spread of zoonotic diseases.
TCM encompasses various practices, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, and qigong. While some aspects of TCM, like acupuncture, have gained global acceptance, others, particularly the use of animal products, remain controversial.
Herbal medicine, a key component of TCM, sometimes involves the use of animal parts from endangered species, such as ivory tusks, tiger bones, and pangolin scales. This demand fuels poaching and a black market trade, contributing to the decline of endangered animal populations. Some TCM practitioners are shifting away from animal-based remedies, and the Chinese government has taken steps to combat the illegal trade of wild animal parts, but the effectiveness of these measures is still being assessed.
The Link Between TCM and Endangered Species
The demand for animal parts in TCM has a significant impact on endangered species. Remedies calling for the use of ivory tusks, tiger bones, and pangolin scales contribute to the poaching of these animals and fuel a $23 billion global black market. TCM has continuously been cited as the main source of revenue for poachers of endangered animals.
While some TCM herbal practitioners have started to shy away from using animal parts in remedies, and the Chinese government has stepped up its efforts to shut down offline and online trade in these wild animal parts, the results are yet to be seen.
TCM, Wet Markets, and Zoonotic Diseases
The trade and use of wild animal products in TCM, particularly in wet markets, increases the risk of zoonotic diseases. About 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in wild animals. Wet markets, where wild-caught animals and farm-raised wild species are caged together, create unsanitary and stressful conditions that can facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
The use of pangolin scales in Chinese Medicine has been criticized recently as it is currently considered (but not proven) to be a causing factor of COVID-19, as the virus may have transferred from bats to pangolins. Though it’s a stretch to say that Traditional Chinese Medicine caused COVID-19, the trade in live or deceased wild animals (and their body parts) for traditional medicine doesn’t help reduce disease.
Towards a Solution
Addressing the issues surrounding “weird” foods and TCM requires a multifaceted approach. It’s crucial to acknowledge the cultural and historical context while recognizing the need for change.
Key steps towards a solution include:
- Stop Using Animal Parts in TCM: Clamping down on the use of animal parts in TCM requires a massive operation from the Chinese government to safeguard endangered species and prevent the spread of diseases.
- Close Wet Markets: While completely eliminating wet markets may not be feasible, sanitation standards must be improved, and wild animal consumption needs to decrease dramatically. Enforcing sanitary processing and trading practices for dead animal products is crucial.
Final Thoughts
The question of why Chinese people eat “weird” foods is complex, encompassing historical, cultural, and economic factors. While some practices, such as the consumption of endangered species for TCM, pose significant risks and require change, it’s essential to avoid generalizations and cultural stereotypes. By understanding the nuances of Chinese food culture, we can foster a more informed and respectful dialogue about food traditions, health, and conservation.
Moving forward, addressing the issues surrounding TCM and wet markets will require collaboration between governments, TCM practitioners, and local communities. Promoting sustainable practices, enforcing regulations, and raising awareness about the risks associated with the consumption of wild animals are crucial steps in safeguarding both human health and the environment.