The existence of sauces is first recorded in two Zhou Dynasty classics. The Rites of Zhou and The Book of Rites both mention intrinsically tasty pairings of sauces and foodstuffs, and delve into the dining etiquette of the nobility.
關於「醬」的敘述，最早出現在周代典籍，《周禮》和《禮記》都記載了醬與食材間固有的美味組合，以及貴族階層的食用禮節。