Flavors & Nature
风味与自然
By the end of this unit, you'll be able to explore the intricate relationships between flavors and nature, articulating how culinary experiences reflect ecological and emotional connections.
Work through 22 lessons — 0/22 completed.
What You'll Be Able to Do
By the end of this unit, you will master four practical skills:
Listen
You can comprehend discussions on the impact of local ingredients on flavor profiles and identify nuances in the descriptions of culinary traditions and practices.
Speak
You can articulate the significance of various flavors in cultural contexts, express opinions on the interplay between food and emotion, and engage in dialogues about sustainable culinary practices.
Read & Write
You can critically analyze texts on gastronomy and ecology, and write reflective pieces that connect personal experiences with broader themes of flavor and nature.
Culture & Use
You can navigate discussions about food with an awareness of regional preferences and sensitivities, understanding when to highlight or downplay certain flavors in social contexts.
Lessons in this Unit
22 lessons. Complete them in order for the best learning experience.
Sweet Delights and Pests
Explore the world of flavors with words for tasty treats like honey and delicious dishes, while also discussing the nuisances of insects like mosquitoes.
Creatures of the Wetlands
Discuss various animals found in wetlands, including frogs, alligators, and houseflies, as well as related topics like throat anatomy and poultry.
In the Mouth of Medicine
Discuss topics related to health, appetite, and medicinal practices, including prescriptions and the importance of oral health.
Savoring Authentic Flavors
Discuss the rich tastes and fragrances of various flowers and plants, along with the essence of original flavors and perfumes.
Garden Delights
Explore the beauty of flowers and the flavors of vegetables and seeds, from lotus petals to sweet potatoes. Discuss culinary uses and the significance of these plants in cuisine and culture.
Sweet Sips and Treats
Discuss your favorite beverages like soy milk and orange juice, along with sweet snacks such as candy and chewing gum. Explore the delightful world of fruits like tangerines and persimmons, and share moments of joy with celebratory sweets.
Feasting on Spice and Spirits
Discuss the vibrant flavors of wedding feasts, the role of alcohol in celebrations, and the heat of spices like hot peppers and numbing flavors.
Flavors and Fertility
Discuss the role of spices and condiments in cooking, as well as the importance of fertilizers and feed in agriculture. Explore how fiber and fat impact health and nutrition.
Textures and Tastes
Discuss the differences between fabrics like silk and cotton, and explore various flavors and tastes, including pungent and fishy notes in food.
A Taste of Dining
Explore the world of dining with vocabulary related to tasting, meals, and various types of food, from light refreshments to main dishes.
Cooking Up Comfort
Discuss your favorite dishes like hotpot and barbecue, explore cooking methods with ingredients such as wood and rubber, and share experiences related to comfort food and smoking.
Roots and Shoots
Discuss the beauty and variety of trees like cypress, poplar, and willow, as well as the growth stages of plants from seedlings to buds and grains.
From Flour to Foam
Discuss the transformation of basic ingredients like flour and starch into various products, and explore topics related to hygiene and bodily functions with words like soap, saliva, and drinking water.
Sticky Delights
Explore the world of glutinous foods like 粽子 and 汤圆, and learn how to describe the textures and sensations of different ingredients and dishes.
Harvesting Local Delights
Discuss local specialties and agricultural products, from rice crops to unique regional delicacies. Explore the significance of traditional foods and curios in various cultures.
From Embryos to Emotions
Discuss the stages of life from embryos and pregnancy to the culinary delights of shrimp and dates, while exploring feelings that make us blush or feel excited.
Crimson Connections
Discuss the vibrant colors of health and the role of blood, hormones, and proteins in the body. Explore topics like blood clots, antibiotics, and the spleen's functions.
Nature's Delights
Explore the flavors and beauty of nature through words like mushroom, seaweed, and flowers. Discuss culinary uses, gardening, and the sensory experiences of these delightful natural elements.
When Smoke Chokes
Discuss the effects of smoke and irritants on health, including symptoms like coughing and nasal issues. Explore the contrast between dryness and moisture in everyday life, from candles to food.
From Toothpaste to Tranquility
Discuss dental care with toothpaste and teeth, explore relaxation with sleeping pills and saunas, or admire the beauty of nature with crystals and brooks.
Savoring Life's Delights
Explore the joys of life through the lens of tea ceremonies, the pleasures of eating and drinking, and the charm of language. Discuss the nuances of accents and the first signs of cultural expressions.
Slim Delights and Market Finds
Discuss the pleasures of hobbies and tastes, explore food markets, and share insights on health topics like diabetes.
Unit Review
After completing all 22 lessons, take the cumulative review to consolidate everything you've learned in this unit.
HSK 7-9 Unit 19 Review
Test your mastery of all 217 words and 22 grammar patterns from this unit.
HSK 7-9 Unit 19 Exam Practice
A five-section mock exam — listening, reading, writing, translation, speaking — graded with a demonstrated HSK level.