Dominika
Confucius on proper eating
In China, food has always occupied a central space. Literati, historians and sages have also devoted their reflections to food and to the importance of a proper preparation of dishes.
His rice is not excessively refined, and his sliced meat is
not cut excessively fine. Rice that has become putrid
and sour, fish that has spoiled, and meat that has gone
bad, he does not eat. Food that is discolored he does
not eat, and food with a bad odor he does not eat.
Undercooked foods he does not eat, and foods served
at improper times he does not eat. Meat that is
improperly carved, he does not eat, and if he does not
obtain the proper sauce, he will not eat. Though there
is plenty of meat, he will not allow it to overcome the
vitalizing power of the rice. Only in the case of wine
does he not set a limit. But he never drinks to the point
of becoming disorderly. Purchased wine or dried meat
from the market he does not eat. He never dispenses
with ginger when he eats. He does not eat to excess.
-Lun yü, or Edited Conversations of Confucius