Introduction: In the dog days of summer, eat less bitter gourd and cucumber and eat more of this! 81 cents per jin, a treasure trove for the whole body, it’s a pity not to know how to eat!
During the scorching summer days of the third solar term, the high temperature not only tests our endurance but also quietly affects the balance of our body’s health. According to tradition, at this time, the body’s yang energy is floating outward while relatively deficient internally cold, coupled with heavy dampness and abundant sweat, which can easily lead to loss of nutrients in the body and a decrease in immunity. Therefore, dietary adjustment becomes particularly important.
Amongst many seasonal fruits and vegetables, although bitter gourd and cucumber are delicious, there is another ingredient that stands out for its low price, rich nutrients, and unique taste – winter melon. At this time, winter melon costs 81 cents per jin, it’s a treasure trove for the whole body, it’s a shame not to know how to eat!
Winter Melon: A Natural Coolant
Winter melon, with its large, round, green-skinned, and white-fleshed appearance, has become a common presence on summer dining tables. Despite its humble appearance, it is actually a treasure trove, rich in moisture, vitamin C, various minerals, abundant dietary fiber, and other active components, which help clear heat, relieve heat, and promote digestion. What’s more, winter melon is reasonably priced, often costing only 81 cents per jin, making it a high-value ingredient.
Boost Immunity, Winter Melon Shows its Power
Rich in Vitamin C, Boost Immunity: Vitamin C is an important nutrient for enhancing immunity. Although winter melon is not known for its vitamin C content, as part of a daily diet, its contribution should not be overlooked.
Diuretic and Detoxifying, Purify Inner Environment: The high water content and abundant potassium in winter melon help accelerate the elimination of toxins and excess moisture from the body, making it very suitable for summer consumption.
Beauty and Anti-aging, Delay Aging: Winter melon contains a wealth of antioxidant compounds. Despite its low price, its nutritional value is rich, so don’t forget to enjoy it when you come across it.
Delicious Winter Melon Recipes: Unlock a variety of ways to eat
1. Clear Stewed Winter Melon Pork Rib Soup
Ingredients: 500g winter melon, 300g pork ribs, a few slices of ginger, some salt, a little chopped green onion, a little cooking wine.
Instructions:
Blanch the pork ribs after washing to remove blood scum, remove and drain.
Peel and deseed the winter melon, cut into large pieces.
Add enough water to a pot, put in the pork ribs, ginger slices, and a little cooking wine, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
Add the winter melon pieces and continue to simmer for 20 minutes until the winter melon is soft.
Season with salt, sprinkle chopped green onions, and serve.
Tips: This soup is light, refreshing, not only replenishing lost moisture in summer but also providing necessary protein and calcium through pork ribs, making it an ideal choice for the family dining table.
2. Winter Melon Steamed Egg with Dried Shrimp
Ingredients: 200g winter melon, 2 eggs, some dried shrimp, a little salt, a few drops of sesame oil, some chopped green onion.
Instructions:
Peel and slice the winter melon, lay it on the bottom of a dish.
Beat the eggs, add some warm water and a little salt, mix well, and skim off the foam.
Slowly pour the egg mixture onto the dish with winter melon, sprinkle with soaked dried shrimp.
Boil water in a pot, place the dish in the pot, steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes until the egg mixture solidifies.
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onion and drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil.
Tips: This dish is aromatic and delicious, the freshness of winter melon and the umami of dried shrimp blend together, and the silky smooth steamed egg is truly delightful, a refreshing delicacy for the summer.
3. Braised Winter Melon
Ingredients: 500g winter melon, some minced garlic, a spoonful of light soy sauce, a spoonful of dark soy sauce, half a spoonful of sugar, some salt, a little water starch.
Instructions:
Peel and deseed the winter melon, cut into uniform-sized pieces, make some cuts on the surface for better flavor absorption.
Add a little oil to the pot, heat it, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the winter melon pieces, pan-fry until slightly golden on both sides.
Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and an appropriate amount of water, the water should just cover the winter melon.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer covered for 10 minutes until the winter melon is soft.
Season with salt, finally use water starch to thicken the sauce, then serve.
Braised winter melon has an enticing color and a soft, glutinous texture, retaining the freshness of winter melon while incorporating the rich flavors of braising, making it a dish suitable for all ages.
Conclusion
During the dog days of summer, a season that easily dampens appetite and weakens immunity, choosing winter melon as part of your daily diet is undoubtedly a wise choice.
It is not only affordable and nutrient-rich but also plays an important role in clearing heat, relieving heat, and boosting immunity. By simple cooking methods, we can transform this natural gift into delicious dishes on the dining table, enjoying the dual rewards of health and deliciousness. Let us guard our health together with winter melon this summer and welcome every refreshing day ahead.
