2019-2020学年度第33-38期总第787-791期
Hotpot overcomes virus blues (P14-15)
山西大学附属中学  李根

Lead-in
What is your favorite dish or meal?

Skimming
What does this passage mainly talk about?
Eating hotpot is much more than an enjoyment for our taste buds and health. It's also a celebration of life and friendship. (para 5)

Reading for structure
 

Reading for details
1. According to Qu Nan, hotpot _____.
A. requires little cooking skill
B. can best satisfy our desire for food
C. shows the Chinese lifestyle
D. is the most typical Chinese dish

2. What does Paragraph 4 tell us about hotpots?
A. The benefits of eating them.
B. The seasonings used to make them.
C. The best time of year to eat hotpots.
D. The health problems caused by hotpots.

3. The last two paragraphs suggest that hotpot has the power to _____.
A. create a warm atmosphere
B. offer comfort
C. spark inspiration 
D. solve problems
(Key: CAB)

Summary
What are the benefits of eating hotpot?

Language Study
other than: different from or except 除了
Cruises other than the ones listed below are not discounted at this time.
除了下面列出的乘船游览项目以外，其他项目没有折扣。
The form cannot be signed by anyone other than yourself.
除了你本人，谁也不能在这张表格上签字。
There's nothing on TV tonight, other than the usual rubbish.
今晚的电视除了惯常的垃圾，再没别的了。

nutrient:  noun [ C ]
any substance that plants or animals need in order to live and grow
养分；营养物，滋养物
It's good soil - full of nutrients.
这土壤肥沃——养分很足。
A healthy diet should provide all your essential nutrients.
健康的饮食应该提供所有必需的营养。

flavor    noun 风味，味道
Add a little salt to bring out the flavor of the herbs.
加一点儿盐使芳草的味道更鲜美。
This wine has a light, fruity flavor.
这种葡萄酒有一种淡淡的水果味。
We sell 32 different flavors of ice cream.
我们出售32种不同口味的冰激凌。
a particular quality or character  特点；特色
The stories have a strong regional flavor.
这些故事有很强的地方色彩。

atmosphere   noun the mixture of gases around the earth（包围地球的）大气，大气层，大气圈
These factories are releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere.
这些工厂向大气中排放有毒气体。
the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation 气氛；环境
There's a very relaxed atmosphere in our office.
我们办公室的气氛非常轻松。
There has been an atmosphere of gloom in the factory since it was announced that it would be closing.
自从宣布工厂要关闭的消息后，厂子就笼罩在一片沮丧的气氛中。

Further Reading and thinking
Hotpot Culture in China
How to eat hotpot?
During a reunion, relatives and friends gather around a cooking pot to dip-boil meat or vegetables into a hot broth while chatting about all kinds of topics. It is definitely a warm and entertaining pastime. The act of "shuan"(涮shuàn) or placing items into the hotpot, is very special. You can shuan at a relaxed and leisured pace, putting bits of food into the broth and then taking them out to eat either with dipping sauces or other condiments.
The cooking time is usually short, therefore the meat and vegetables are tender and fresh. Typically, the Beijing hotpot, or the northern style hotpot, includes sliced mutton as the main item. The dish was introduced to Japan more than 600 years ago; at present, many people from countries around the world enjoy its flavorful taste.

The types of hotpot
Red pot
It is the most famous hotpot in Chongqing, to which a special spice known as Chinese prickly ash is added. It creates a sensation on the tongue that is both spicy and slightly numbing, almost like carbonated beverages. A Chongqing hotpot is markedly different from the types eaten in other parts of China.

White pot
The essence of white pot lies in the broth, which contains bone, oil, wine, sugar and spices.

Yuanyang pot
In our area, the most common hot pot is called “yuanyang pot”. The pot is divided into two parts, with one-part light broth and the other spicy broth.

Main Condiments
Freshly-ground paprika
Chili oil
Chinese prickly ash
Ginger（生姜）
Soy sauce（酱油）
Cilantro（香菜）
Garlic（大蒜）
Scallion（青葱）
Sesame oil（香油）

Ingredients
Vegetarian dishes
Needle mushrooms （金针菇）
Shiitake（香菇）
Napa cabbage（大白菜）
Seaweed （海带）
Broccoli （花菜）
Sliced lotus roots（藕片)
Lettuce pieces (莴笋片)
Carrot   (胡萝卜)
Potatoes   (土豆)

Why do Chinese people like eating hotpot?
The first reason is that it is great for family gatherings. In Chinese culture, red stands for joyfulness during family occasions. Therefore, culturally, red round hotpot is a visual symbol of warmth, enthusiasm and family closeness. Family gatherings are a crucial component of Chinese culture.
Another reason is that hotpot is a fairly healthy meal. Boiling is better than frying, it allows bone nutrients to be released into the broth. Eating hotpot can warm the body and improve blood circulation in winter, and increase perspiration to help cool the body in summer. Some seasonings in hotpots can help alleviate minor illnesses like a cold, stuffy nose or headaches.

What are different types of regional hotpots?
There are several varieties of hotpot in China with differently flavored broth. Two of the most popular are Sichuan hotpot and Beijing mutton hotpot (instant-boiled mutton). Some other popular options include seafood hotpot in Guangdong, sauerkraut hotpot in Northeastern China, chrysanthemum hotpot in Suzhou and beef hotpot in Hong Kong. The name for the dish also varies a lot by region - in Guangdong it is called “Bian Lu”(边炉), in Ningxia “Guo Zi”(锅子), in Jiangsu and Zhejiang “Nuan Guo”(暖锅), and in Sichuan “Huo Guo”(火锅).

Debates over Chengdu hotpot and Chongqing hotpot
Chengdu and Chongqing are two of the most famous hotpot cities in China. For anyone going to Chengdu or Chongqing, eating a delicious hotpot should be on their to-do-list. However, there has always been a debate over which dish is more authentic.
Chengdu hotpot is famous for its numbing and spicy flavor, resulting from a special seasoning – Sichuan pepper (花椒). Along with other spicy ingredients, the dish distinguishes itself through its hotness, heavy flavors and dense soup. Its traditional materials include cattle guts, cattle waists, beef and vegetables. As a matter of fact, both Chengdu and Chongqing hotpot come from the same origin. It is hard to say which is authentic, it's simply up to you.
Nowadays, along with the development of cooking techniques, hotpot has gained more varieties and characteristics. It will not only reflect China's profound history, but also represent modern Chinese culture. Whenever you come to China, especially to Chongqing or Chengdu, you should try this popular Chinese dish.

Homework
Write an article on which hotpot you like best and include what positive benefits it can bring you.