Today is the first day of the Beginning of Autumn, and people often say: hot during the three dog days, cold during the three nines. Entering the Beginning of Autumn means entering the hottest period of the year because the nights gradually shorten and the days lengthen, with the sunlight approaching direct radiation. The summer solstice is not the hottest time because the heat absorbed by the ground during this time is mostly dissipated at night. In the Beginning of Autumn, consume “it” like ginseng! Clear heat, relieve fire, dispel heat, and benefit the intestines to cope with the dog days!
In the north, there is a common saying: “Dumplings in the Beginning of Summer, noodles in the Second of Summer, and pancakes with eggs in the Third of Summer.” Having dumplings on the Beginning of Summer is a traditional custom because during the dog days, people have poor appetites and cannot eat much, and dumplings are a traditional appetizing food in Chinese customs. Summer is a season of yang prosperity and yin decline. The human body’s yang energy is vigorous, so eating the right foods at this time can easily dispel the accumulated coldness in the body, especially as the dog days arrive. The weather becomes extremely hot, and even a little movement can cause sweating, or one can sweat even without moving.
As the weather gets hotter, many people will feel very uncomfortable. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, and weakness may appear, so the diet should mainly focus on being light and cooling. Ridge gourd can be described as a “good helper” for clearing heat, relieving fire, cooling blood, and detoxifying in summer. There is a saying “Eating ridge gourd in the dog days is comparable to ginseng.” Ridge gourd also contains the component found in ginseng – saponin, which is very suitable for consumption during the dog days, aiding in cooling and preventing dryness. Ridge gourd can be stir-fried, peeled, washed, then stir-fried with garlic for a refreshing taste.
Ridge gourd can also be used to make stew, whether it’s pork rib soup, fish soup, or egg soup. After washing and cutting into sections, it is good for stewing in soup.
Steamed ridge gourd with garlic, cut the ridge gourd into sections, then place the chopped garlic and minced bell peppers and scallions on top before steaming until cooked. Afterwards, sauté scallions, ginger, and garlic in oil, pour the oil on top, and it’s ready to eat!
The dog days are the hottest time, and this is when people love to drink chilled beverages. This is the best time to dispel the cold in the body, so during this month, remember not to drink too many chilled beverages. Drink more tea, green bean soup, eat lighter foods, and pay attention to your health for a healthy body!
