小雪丨冬腊风腌，蓄以御冬

宋代诗人黄庭坚曾在诗中，这样饶有趣味地描写小雪初晴时的民间美食风向标——“润到竹根肥腊笋，暖开蔬甲助春盘”。

While depicting Xiaoxue, or Minor Snow, the Song Dynasty (960-1279) poet Huang Tingjian once interestingly described the period's seasonal culinary scenery: "Snow moistens bamboo shoots for plumpness and stores warmth for better vegetable growth, enhancing their flavor."

小雪，作为中国传统二十四节气中的第二十个节气，和前十九个节气相似，依旧与中国人的餐桌息息相关。

Minor Snow, the 20th solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar, remains closely tied to Chinese people's dining tables like the first nineteen.

图源：视觉中国‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

在这个季节，天气越来越冷，北方大部分地区气温会降到零度以下，气候变得干燥，却也是腌制和风干的佳肴一年里最浓墨重彩的登场时刻。

During the season, as the weather turns colder, temperatures in most northern regions drop below zero, and the climate is dry. But it also becomes the perfect time for making cured and air-dried delicacies.

图源：视觉中国‍‍‍‍

从乡野村间到都市人家， “ 冬腊风腌，蓄以御冬 ” 的民俗在传统中延续。从北国到南方，虽各地的制作方式不同，但都有整齐悬挂的 串串香肠和丰腴美味的腊肉 ，也会酿造色泽清冽的小雪酒。

From rural villages to urban households, the folk tradition of "curing meat to prepare for winter" continues. From the north to the south, although production methods vary, it's common to see neatly hung sausages and delicious cured meats as well as fermenting sweet wine tailored for the season.

图源：东方IC ‍‍‍‍

作为这个时节最具代表性的节令食物之一， 糍粑 也将再次占据南方家庭小吃清单上的 “C 位 ” 。

As one of the most representative seasonal foods during this period, ciba, a traditional glutinous rice cake, once again takes the spotlight on the snack lists of southern families.

这种小吃，由糯米千锤百打制作而成，色泽洁白，口感甜腻，通常制成圆形，象征着丰收喜庆团圆之意。

Made from pounded glutinous rice and steamed to appear white in color, it is sweet and sticky in texture. Typically round in shape, the snack symbolizes the joy of harvest and reunion.

图源：东方IC ‍‍‍‍

有些地区还会酿晒鲜美的 鱼干 ，或烹饪肉香四溢的 “ 刨汤 ” 。

Some regions marinate dried fish or prepare delicious pork soup.

小雪前后，黄河中下游地区也会降下初雪。农谚有云： “ 小雪雪满天，来年必丰年 ” 。

Around Minor Snow, the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River region will also experience the first snowfall. A farming proverb says: "When minor snow fills the sky, the next year will yield a good harvest."

盈盈白雪覆盖麦田，可以冻死一些病菌和害虫，也利于有机物分解，能增强土壤肥力。

The snow, as it blankets wheat fields, can freeze certain pathogens and pests, and assist in the decomposition of organic matter, thereby enhancing soil fertility.

图源：视觉中国

让我们在小雪时节，感受自然独特的馈赠，与亲朋好友们煮一壶热茶，共赏银装素裹的美景。

Let us embrace the unique gifts of nature during Minor Snow, brew a pot of hot tea with family and friends, and enjoy the beautifully silver-coated scenery.