Oat Meal, a humble yet time-honored dish, traces its origins back to the Han Dynasty. In The Rapid Primer by S…
Oat Meal, a humble yet time-honored dish, traces its origins back to the Han Dynasty. In The Rapid Primer by Shi You of the Western Han, there is a line: "Flatbreads, wheatmeal rice, and sweet bean soup." Centuries later, the poet Lu You wrote: "A clay pot of wheatmeal shared with the old neighbor," and "In festive times, every household is filled with its rich aroma." By the Northern Song period, wheatmeal rice had become a daily staple for the people. Sprinkled with tender acacia buds and wild chives, the green and yellow hues made it visually enticing. Though its rough texture—thanks to the wheat bran—left a lasting impression, the bran helped stave off hunger, and the wild greens provided essential nutrition. For those living near the Forsaken Quarter, it was a rare and treasured meal.