Dumplings of Comfort: How Jiaozi Became a Winter Warmer

Dumplings of Comfort: How Jiaozi Became a Winter Warmer

Have you ever heard of food being invented to help people feel better? The story of dumplings (jiaozi) and their supposed inventor, a famous ancient doctor named Zhang Zhongjing, is one such heartwarming tale, connecting this beloved food to medicine and compassion.

The legend says that during a harsh winter around the 3rd century AD, people in Zhang Zhongjing's hometown suffered from frostbite, especially on their ears. To help them, Dr. Zhang devised a special medicinal meal. He would stew lamb, chili, and medicinal herbs, chop them up, and wrap them in dough skins folded into the shape of ears. He then boiled these "ear-shaped" dumplings and served them hot to his patients on the winter solstice, along with the broth.

The warm, nutritious dumplings not only helped the frostbitten ears but also provided overall comfort and warmth. People quickly recovered and continued to make these "ear-shaped" dumplings, calling them "jiao'er" (meaning "tender ears") or "jiaozi" (meaning "jiao" for "ear" or "corner," and "zi" for "dumpling"). While the exact medical efficacy is debatable, the story highlights the traditional Chinese belief in food as medicine and the deep-rooted compassion associated with shared meals, especially during cold winter months.