Chushu, the fourteenth solar term in the twenty-four solar terms, is also the second solar term of autumn. After Chushu, there will still be a period of high temperatures; true autumn coolness usually does not arrive for another ten days to half a month. As the saying goes, “Chushu days remain hot, just like the autumn tiger.” As we transition from the heat of summer to the coolness of autumn, it is particularly important to guard against the effects of the “autumn tiger” and prevent autumn dryness.
Therefore, at this turning point, how to follow the seasonal changes for health and wellness is crucial, and the key focus is on “preventing autumn dryness.” It is recommended to adapt the diet to the seasons by consuming more ingredients that nourish yin and moisturize dryness, which also help dispel residual summer heat. Today, I will share five treasure ingredients that might help you smoothly get through autumn.
First Treasure: Pumpkin
After Chushu, there will still be a period of high temperatures. Pumpkin can stimulate the appetite and help with heat relief, and it is highly nutritious, known as the “first gourd of autumn.” It is also in season right now. The pectin it contains helps accelerate food peristalsis, aiding digestion.
Recommended Recipe: Quinoa Pumpkin Steamed Buns
Ingredients: Quinoa, pumpkin, flour, milk, yeast, sugar
1. Rinse 100 grams of quinoa until clean, then soak it for 2 hours to sprout the germ;
2. Prepare a piece of old pumpkin, peel and seed it, then cut it into evenly thick slices. Steam in a steamer for 12 minutes, and while hot, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and mash it into a fine pumpkin puree;
3. Prepare 400 grams of all-purpose flour, then add the quinoa and pumpkin puree into a bowl. Add 5 grams of yeast and 50 grams of milk, and mix until fluffy. Then knead by hand; it’s easy to knead after letting it rest for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, it will become smooth effortlessly. Cover with plastic wrap and let it ferment on the balcony until it doubles in size;
4. Once the dough has fully risen, it should have a rich honeycomb structure. Take it out and place it on a kneading mat to knead and release the air. Then, shape the dough into long strips and cut into 60-gram pieces. Roll each piece into a ball;
5. After all are shaped, place them in a steamer for a second rise of 20 minutes. The dough should feel light and fluffy when lifted; pressing gently with a finger will cause it to rebound quickly. Steam on high heat for 20 minutes, then let it rest for 5 minutes before taking it out;
Each one is fluffy and soft, with a hint of sweetness, making a perfect coarse grain breakfast.
Second Treasure: Peanuts
Peanuts are known as the “longevity fruit” and are harvested in August and September. They are a cost-effective and nutritious food for lung health, rich in dietary fiber, which can help promote intestinal peristalsis. The oils they contain lubricate the intestines, helping to prevent constipation. As the autumn weather is dry and easily leads to fire, consuming fresh peanuts can help alleviate symptoms of autumn dryness.
Recommended Recipe: Cucumber Stir-fried Peanuts
