“As autumn arrives, taste the three delicacies for a whole year of health.” After the start of autumn, one might rather forgo meat, choosing instead to savor these three autumn delicacies, which help clear the heat and dryness while being nutritious!
The start of autumn marks the gradual departure of summer. After this point, the autumn wind will gently arrive, the temperature difference between day and night will gradually widen, and the overall temperature will begin to drop. As the turning point between summer and autumn, the start of autumn signifies not just a drop in temperature but also a critical moment for people to nourish their bodies. This year, during the time of the start of autumn, we are still in the second phase of summer’s heat, and the “autumn tiger” will certainly take the opportunity to exert its influence. The winds of autumn are strong, the air is dry, and it’s easy to become overheated; even minor missteps can lead to physical discomfort.
There is an old saying: “As autumn arrives, taste the three delicacies for a whole year of health!” This means that in autumn, we should consume three types of foods, which are seasonal delicacies in autumn. They align with the natural process of nourishment, and frequent consumption can help ensure a smooth autumn. Thus, after the start of autumn, we might choose to eat less meat or avoid it altogether, but we must indulge in these three autumn delicacies. So, what exactly do these three delicacies refer to? How should they be prepared to taste delicious? Let’s find out.
First, the fresh from the ground—okra.
Okra is one of the seasonal vegetables in autumn and is also a great choice for light eating. It is not only rich in protein, vitamins, and dietary fiber but also abundant in pectin, which aids digestion, increases appetite, prevents cardiovascular diseases, detoxifies, fights cancer, has antioxidant properties, slows aging, supports kidney function and vitality, alleviates fatigue, and provides calcium. It can assist in treating kidney deficiency and prostate inflammation, earning it the nickname “plant-based Viagra.” When cooking okra, it should be cooked whole to prevent the loss of its essence.
Recommended dish: 【Stuffed Okra】
Main ingredients: okra, pork.
Seasonings: cooking oil, salt, scallions, ginger, cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken essence, oyster sauce, garlic, starch.
Steps: 1. Place the okra in water, wash and soak, then remove and drain for later use. Clean the pork, cut it into pieces, put it in a food processor to grind into a meat filling, add salt, scallions, ginger, cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken essence, and oyster sauce, mix well for later use.
2. Trim the ends off the okra, split them open, and remove the inner membranes before stuffing with the meat filling. Neatly arrange them in a plate and steam them in a pot until cooked.
3. Prepare minced garlic, light soy sauce, a little dark soy sauce, a spoonful of starch mixed with a little water in a bowl. In a hot pot with cooking oil, add a portion of minced garlic to fragrance, then add the prepared bowl mixture to create a thin sauce and pour over the steamed okra for a delicious dish.
Second, the fresh from underground—lily.
Lily is another autumn food, praised as the “essence of lily flowers.” It is often used to nourish yin, clear heat, and moisten the lungs while nourishing the heart. Lilies are rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which help clear heat, detoxify, suppress coughs, expel phlegm, and alleviate asthma. They have significant benefits for lung health and soothing the throat. During the cooking process, you will find that lilies gradually emit a unique fragrance, adding a distinct flavor to the entire dish.
Recommended dish: 【Stir-fried Shrimp with Celery and Lily】
Main ingredients: celery, lily, shrimp, carrots.
Seasonings: cooking oil, salt, scallions, ginger, cooking wine.
Steps: 1. After thawing the shrimp, wash them clean, then marinate with scallions, ginger, cooking wine, and salt to eliminate fishy smell. Remove the strings from the celery and cut into sections for later use. Clean and peel the carrots, slicing them for later use. Fresh lilies should be peeled one by one, washed clean, and set aside.
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