Beginning of Spring (Lichun)
Choose light, fresh foods and follow the season by enjoying the flavors of spring.
Script
Hello, and welcome to Beginning of Spring, Lichun. In the classic Yueling Qishier Hou Jijie, “Li” means to begin. Spring starts from this day. In seasonal tradition, people choose light, fresh foods and enjoy the flavors of spring. Spring bamboo shoots are tender and seasonal. Chinese chives are fragrant and lively. Bean sprouts are crisp and tender. A simple spring dish is stir-fried Chinese chives with bean sprouts. At this time, go easy on overly greasy, heavy food. Also keep meals from becoming too salty or too strongly seasoned. If you want to try this season at home, look for the Beginning of Spring Seasonal Tasting Ingredient Pack.
On the table this season
- Spring Bamboo Shoots (Chunsun)cool
Tender and seasonal, traditionally eaten at the start of spring to enjoy the first fresh produce of the year.
- Chinese Chives (Jiucai)warm
Fragrant and lively in flavor, they are a common springtime ingredient on the table.
- Spinach (Bocai)cool
Bright green and well suited to simple, light home-style dishes.
- Bean Sprouts (Douya)cool
Crisp and tender, they suit quick spring stir-fries.
- Chinese Toon Shoots (Xiangchun)warm
A distinctive spring flavor, traditionally eaten for its seasonal freshness.
Cook it
Stir-Fried Chinese Chives with Bean Sprouts (Jiucai Chao Douya)
Ingredients: Chinese Chives, Bean Sprouts, Cooking Oil, Garlic, Salt
- Wash the Chinese chives and cut into sections; rinse and drain the bean sprouts; mince the garlic.
- Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry quickly, then add the Chinese chives.
- Season with a little salt and cook just until tender-crisp, then serve.
Spring Bamboo Shoot and Spinach Soup (Chunsun Bocai Tang)
Ingredients: Spring Bamboo Shoots, Spinach, Cooking Oil, Salt, Water
- Clean the bamboo shoots and slice them; wash the spinach and cut into sections.
- Bring water to a boil in a pot and cook the bamboo shoots for a short while first.
- Add the spinach and cook until the color deepens.
- Add a little salt and a few drops of oil, stir gently, then turn off the heat and serve.
Go easy on
- Eat less overly greasy, heavy food.
- Avoid making meals too salty or too strongly seasoned.
- Spring vegetables are prized for freshness, so take extra care if they have been stored for a while before eating.
Classical source
立春，正月節。立，建始也。Yueling Qishier Hou Jijie (Wu Cheng, Yuan dynasty)
Beginning of Spring opens the first lunar month. "Li" means to begin: spring starts from this day.
Original text on Wikisource · Diet text drafted with AI and pending expert review.