August marks the beginning of autumn, with the weather gradually transitioning from hot to cool while still retaining the residual warmth of summer. This season is a key period of transition between summer and autumn, as the body’s yang energy begins to consolidate and significant changes occur in the internal and external environment. Therefore, after the beginning of autumn, it is particularly important to pay attention to nourishing the body through dietary adjustments, adapting the diet structure in a timely manner to cope with the seasonal change.
In traditional Chinese health culture, there is a widely circulated saying: “Eating a melon in August helps one live to ninety-eight.” The essence of this saying recommends that people frequently consume a particular type of melon in August — the winter melon. Not only is winter melon cooling and refreshing, but it is also particularly beneficial for the health of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Winter melon plays an important role in dietary therapy after the beginning of autumn, as it can clear heat and detoxify, promote urination and reduce swelling, making it a “treasure for health” on the dining table of seniors.
Winter melon is a low-calorie vegetable rich in water, offering multiple health benefits. Its nutritional components are abundant, containing vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and dietary fiber. It is effective in promoting urination and reducing swelling, clearing heat and detoxifying, moisturizing the lungs and relieving cough, as well as lowering fat and aiding weight loss. It is especially suitable for the middle-aged and elderly because it not only helps maintain cardiovascular health but also enhances immunity.
Recommended Recipe 1: Winter Melon, Edamame, Mushroom, and Egg Soup
Method: Peel and cut the winter melon into cubes, wash the edamame and set aside; remove the stems from the white jade mushrooms and crab-flavored mushrooms, wash them and set aside; add an appropriate amount of clean water to a pot, bring it to a boil, and then add the winter melon cubes and edamame, cooking until the winter melon becomes transparent. Add the white jade mushrooms and crab-flavored mushrooms, continue cooking for another 5 minutes, and finally crack in the eggs, stirring well. Once the eggs are set, season with salt and a little white pepper powder.
This soup is light and delicious, with the sweetness of winter melon perfectly combined with the tender fragrance of edamame and the umami of mushrooms, making it rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, particularly suitable for nourishing health in seniors. The addition of eggs enriches the flavor of the soup and enhances its nutritional value, making it a nourishing soup suitable for all ages.
Recommended Recipe 2: Steamed Shrimp with Winter Melon and Vermicelli
Method: Peel the winter melon and slice it thinly, soak the vermicelli in warm water until soft; wash the shrimp, remove the veins, and cut into small pieces, marinating with a little salt and cooking wine for 10 minutes; take a steaming tray, evenly spread the winter melon slices around the edges, place the soaked vermicelli and marinated shrimp in the center of the winter melon slices, and steam over high heat for 10 minutes; once done, sprinkle with chopped green onions and drizzle a little steamed fish soy sauce for flavor.
This steamed dish preserves the original flavors of the winter melon and shrimp to the greatest extent, with the vermicelli absorbing the juice released during steaming, resulting in a tender texture that is perfect for refreshing and whetting the appetite as the seasons change. Shrimp is rich in high-quality protein, and winter melon is low in fat, making it ideal for elderly consumption, especially beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Recommended Recipe 3: Winter Melon and Pork Buns
Method: Peel the winter melon and finely dice it, salt it briefly to draw out excess water; wash and dice the pork, then mix it with soy sauce, cooking wine, and chopped green onion and ginger; combine the drained winter melon with the pork, seasoning with salt, edible oil, and sesame oil, mixing well to create the filling; divide the fermented dough into small portions, roll them into wrappers, and fill with the mixture; place the wrapped buns in a steamer, let them rise for another 15 minutes, then steam over high heat for 15 minutes.
The combination of winter melon and pork is nutritionally balanced, with the refreshing flavor of winter melon complementing the rich taste of pork. These buns have thin wrappers and generous fillings, with a salty and delicious flavor, making them an energy-rich staple choice. For the elderly, they fulfill both taste satisfaction and avoid excessive caloric intake, making them a healthy and delicious snack.
As an excellent choice for healthy eating in August, winter melon not only possesses abundant nutritional value but can also be prepared in various ways to create delicious dishes. Whether it’s a refreshing winter melon soup, flavorful steamed dishes, or buns, winter melon offers us a dual enjoyment of health and flavor. As the saying goes, “Eating a melon in August helps one live to ninety-eight.” In the days after the beginning of autumn, consuming more winter melon not only replenishes essential nutrients for the body…
