After the start of autumn, it signifies the transformation of nature from flourishing to a more reserved state. At this ceremonious moment, remember “Eat the four treasures of autumn, and you won’t need to find a doctor.” Eat seasonal foods for a safe autumn.
Yam
Yam, also known as Huai yam, is a traditional nourishing ingredient, hailed as “the best among tonics.” It is rich in various nutrients and can effectively alleviate symptoms such as throat discomfort caused by autumn dryness.
Food recommendation: Yam sticky rice chicken
Peel and cut the yam into pieces, soak the sticky rice for 2 hours in advance, cut the chicken into pieces, slice the soaked shiitake mushrooms, pit the red dates, and wash the goji berries for later use.
Marinate the chicken pieces with salt, soy sauce, cooking wine, and ginger slices for 15 minutes.
Place a layer of sticky rice at the bottom of a steaming bowl, followed by yam pieces, mushroom slices, red dates, and goji berries.
Evenly arrange the marinated chicken pieces on top of the sticky rice and yam, add an appropriate amount of water, cover with a steaming lid, and steam on high until boiling, then switch to low heat and steam for about 1 hour until the sticky rice and chicken are cooked through. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve.
Autumn Pear
Autumn pear is a representative fruit of the season, favored for its sweet, juicy taste and its ability to alleviate dryness. Eating autumn pears in moderation can effectively relieve discomfort caused by autumn dryness.
Food recommendation: Autumn pear syrup
Wash the duck pears, peel, and grate to extract pear puree and juice.
Place the pear puree and juice into a clay pot, add rock candy and shredded ginger, and also add the crushed luo han guo. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Filter out the puree, ginger shreds, and luo han guo residues using gauze or a sieve.
Pour the filtered juice back into the pot, continue simmering uncovered over low heat, stirring constantly until the juice thickens and becomes viscous, then turn off the heat.
Let it cool until warm, then mix in honey thoroughly and store in a sealed container.
Day Lily
Day lily, also known as gold needle vegetable, is a nutrient-rich vegetable. It contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, and various vitamins, offering many health benefits.
Food recommendation: Day lily and pork rib soup
Soak and wash the day lily in advance, and chop the pork ribs into pieces and wash.
Place the pork ribs in a pot of cold water, add ginger slices and cooking wine, bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then take out the ribs and rinse clean.
Add the blanched pork ribs and day lily into a stew pot, add clear water, bring to a boil, then switch to low heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Add salt to taste according to personal preference, and simmer for another 10 minutes before serving.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a staple on autumn tables, loved for its golden skin and soft, sweet flesh.
Food recommendation: Pumpkin porridge
Peel and cut the pumpkin into pieces, wash the rice for later use.
Put the pumpkin chunks and rice together into a rice cooker or pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and use the porridge setting or bring to a boil over high heat, then switch to low heat and simmer until the porridge thickens.
Adjust the taste by adding rock candy if desired, or keep the original flavor of the pumpkin without adding sugar. When the pumpkin porridge is soft, sweet, and fragrant, it’s ready to serve.
“Eat the four treasures of autumn, and you won’t need to find a doctor.” This is not just a folk saying; it embodies centuries of wisdom within the Chinese culture. These four seasonal ingredients each contain rich nutritional value, and through proper pairing and cooking, they can not only satisfy the taste buds but also nourish the body, helping us safely pass through autumn.
