In the morning, Juhua had selected three heads of Big Cabbage, cut each into quarters, and rubbed crushed salt between the layers. She then placed them in a wooden basin with a stone slab on top to press them down. By now, nearly two two-hour periods had passed, and they should have softened and released their water.
She took out the Big Cabbage, rinsed it clean with well water, and placed it in a small bamboo basket to drain. Then, she began to prepare the seasoning paste.
She peeled and julienned a large white radish, and finely minced some ginger and garlic. She put everything into a large earthenware pot and poured in a generous amount of chili paste, chili powder, and fine white sugar. She'd had to ask Yang Family to buy the sugar specially, as they didn't have any at home. After stirring it all vigorously with chopsticks, the pot's contents turned a brilliant red, its spicy, fragrant aroma instantly assailing the senses!
