The climate characteristic of summer can be described with one word: hot. As summer approaches, the temperature gradually rises, and the humidity in the air also increases. This high-temperature and high-humidity climate not only makes people feel sultry and uncomfortable but also easily causes physical discomfort, such as heatstroke and poor appetite. Therefore, summer diet is particularly important, and choosing some ingredients that clear heat, relieve summer heat, and aid digestion becomes crucial.
When it comes to ingredients for clearing heat and relieving summer heat, many people would first think of bitter gourd. However, there is an ingredient more suitable for summer consumption than bitter gourd but often overlooked, and that is perilla leaves. Perilla leaves not only have a unique flavor but also have high medicinal value, praised as an excellent product for summer health preservation. Perilla leaves are rich in nutrients and have various health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and are also rich in active components like perilla aldehyde and perilla alcohol. These components have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxifying effects, effectively helping the body resist the summer heat and humidity. In addition, perilla leaves also help stimulate appetite and aid digestion, improving poor appetite, making them especially suitable for summer consumption.
The medicinal value of perilla leaves is also detailed in traditional Chinese medical literature. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that perilla leaves are warm in nature, pungent in taste, and have the effects of relieving exterior conditions, dispersing cold, promoting digestion, and stopping coughing and phlegm. As summer makes people susceptible to catching colds, perilla leaves can help relieve symptoms by dispelling cold. Additionally, they help regulate the stomach and intestines, promote digestion, and alleviate discomforts like bloating and nausea.
Perilla ginger millet tea is a simple yet nutritious summer health tea, with the functions of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, aiding digestion, and stimulating appetite. Below is a detailed recipe for making this tea.
Recommended Recipe: Perilla Ginger Millet Tea
Ingredients: 20g perilla leaves, 10g ginger, 30g millet, water as needed.
Instructions:
1. Preparing the perilla leaves: Pluck the perilla leaves, wash them, remove excess water, steam them in a pot for 3 minutes, remove from heat, let cool, and set aside.
2. Preparing the ginger: Wash and peel the ginger, then slice it into thin strips for later use. Adjust the amount of ginger strips based on personal taste.
3. Preparing the millet: Wash the millet, drain excess water, and set aside. Fresh millet is recommended for better taste and nutrition.
4. Roasting the millet: In a clean pan, add the washed millet and stir-fry over medium heat until it turns slightly yellow and releases a fragrance. Roasting the millet removes its raw taste and enhances the aroma.
5. Adding ginger strips and perilla leaves: After roasting the millet, add the prepared ginger strips and perilla leaves. Stir-fry over low heat until the moisture from the leaves and ginger completely dries out. Remove from heat, let cool naturally, store in a sealed glass jar, and use as needed.
This perilla ginger millet tea combines the fragrance of perilla leaves, the spiciness of ginger, and the sweetness of millet, creating a unique and refreshing taste. It not only clears heat and relieves summer heat but also warms the stomach, aids digestion, making it a perfect choice for summer consumption.
Consumption:
Perilla ginger millet tea can be consumed in the morning or afternoon. Each time, take an appropriate amount, put it in a cup, add cleaned wolfberries, and pour hot water. It is recommended to consume 2-3 times a week to help regulate the body and alleviate summer discomfort. Due to the medicinal properties of perilla leaves, consume in moderation and avoid excessive intake.
Cooking Tips:
1. Select fresh, vibrant green perilla leaves for better aroma and nutrition.
2. Use fresh and undamaged ginger. Slicing into thin strips helps release its spiciness effectively.
3. Control the heat when roasting the millet to avoid burning. Roast until it turns slightly yellow.
In summary, this perilla ginger millet tea is easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and is suitable as a daily beverage in hot summer weather. Not only does it relieve heat and clear heat, but it also helps regulate the body, making it a rare summer health product.
