世界长江、中国春节：浙江糖醋排骨

浙江人对“糖”这一调味品的运用，可以说到了极致。这是有历史渊源的。1400多年前，蔗糖的制作技术通过大唐使者从印度引入中国。随后，中国开始在浙江一带大力种植甘蔗，并发明了更多更好的制糖方法。浙江也因此形成了以香甜为主的饮食特征。

Zhejiang People have taken the use of sugar as a seasoning to a whole new level. This has deep historical roots. Over 1,400 years ago, envoys from the Tang dynasty brought the technique for making cane sugar from India to China. Soon after, China started growing sugarcane widely in Zhejiang and developed better ways to produce sugar. As a result, Zhejiang cuisine is known for its emphasis on sweetness.

浙江位于长江中下游，是堪比天堂的江南水乡。水乡的温婉，如轻柔的妙手，将蔗糖浸入排骨，烹制出一道甜蜜的佳肴——糖醋排骨。

Located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Zhejiang is a beautiful water town akin to paradise. The gentle charm of this water town tenderly adds a sweet touch to pork ribs, creating a sweet dish called sweet and sour pork ribs.

这道菜看似平常，实则制作十分精妙。糖多，入口太腻；糖少，肉质太紧。甜度的拿捏，分寸之间见真章，恰如其分地体现出浙江人的细腻。糖醋排骨出锅时酸气入鼻，可以瞬间勾起口水；待细细咀嚼，口中留下的又是回味无穷的甜。

This dish may seem ordinary, but making it is quite a careful process. Too much sugar makes it overly sweet, while too little can lead to tough meat. Getting the right level of sweetness takes skill, perfectly reflecting the meticulous nature of Zhejiang people. When it’s fresh from the pot, the sour smell fills the air and makes your mouth water. As you chew, a sweet flavor lingers in your mouth.

1000多年前，糖在浙江还是非常稀缺的物品，人们吃糖还能彰显自己富裕高贵的身份。因此，“甜味”被视为幸福和富足的象征。而现在，糖早已进入寻常百姓家。糖醋排骨，是浙江人年夜饭的必备菜，寓意“甜甜蜜蜜”——这是对爱情圆满、家庭和睦，以及新的一年里吉祥如意的甜蜜祝福。

Over 1,000 years ago, sugar was very rare in Zhejiang, and eating sugar was a sign of wealth and nobility. Thus, “sweetness” was considered a symbol of happiness and abundance. Today, sugar is common in every home. In Zhejiang, Sweet and sour pork ribs are a must-have at the reunion dinner. It represents “tian tian mi mi” (lit. sweet and happy). This is a sweet wish for a joyful love life, family harmony, and good luck in the year ahead.

可以说，糖醋排骨为家的温馨，增添欢愉，更寄托了人们对新年美好生活的无限憧憬与期盼。

In a way, sweet and sour pork ribs bring happiness to the cozy feeling of home and reflect people’s hopes and dreams for a better life in the forthcoming Spring.