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While Sichuan provides
the majority of China, and much of Asia with fruits and vegetables, the
providers of these products are large government run cooperatives of farmers.
Individual farmers manage a subsistance living from selling their goods at
local fresh or "wet" markets. Otherwise, they sell the majority of their
crops to the government interests which then distribute their food. While
the region itself is rich and fertile, it is difficult for many of the farmers
to prosper under this particular socialist style system. However, with the
market opening in China, big changes are expected for the peasant farmers
who hope to be able to begin to sell their crops at competitive prices in
the world market.
Vegetables are a significant crop because they are
less expensive to buy in the markets than are meats, and so are a main component
of many Sichuan meals. Stir-fries, soups, and braised dishes are all enhanced
by the regions peppers, cabbages, and root vegetables.
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