Entering the scorching July, there is an old saying: “Eat sprouts in spring, eat melons in summer.” This is the wisdom of the Chinese diet. It is the season when a large number of melons and fruits are being put on the market in the summer. Melons and vegetables in summer are rich in water, good in taste, and nutritious, containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber needed by the human body. They can promote metabolism, clear dryness, resolve heat, and are still cheap. Eating melon ingredients often can adapt to the season for health preservation, providing nutrition and health benefits. Why not do it?
In the hot summer, people often feel tired and exhausted, and the body needs more water and nutrients to resist the high temperatures. There is a folk saying: “Eat more melons in summer, no need for Chinese medicine.” It means that eating more melon vegetables in summer helps to keep the body healthy and reduces the need for medication. Below are 3 seasonal melon and vegetable dishes suitable for summer. Eating them in the hot summer can clear heat, reduce fire, and replenish nutrition, with fresh and tender ingredients that are nutritious. Let’s take a look.
1. Bitter Melon – Clears the mind and brightens the eyes
Recommended recipe: “Spicy Bitter Melon with Pork Belly”
Ingredients: 1 bitter melon, 1 small piece of pork belly, half an onion, 1 tablespoon of Laoganma bean paste, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 red pepper, a little oil and salt
Preparation: 1. Remove the core of the bitter melon, slice it, add a little salt, mix well, let it sit for a while, squeeze out the juice slightly to remove bitterness;
2. Heat a pan, add some oil, stir-fry the pork belly slices until they release some oil;
3. Add Laoganma bean paste, stir-fry, then add some onion slices and stir-fry until fragrant;
4. Add the prepared bitter melon slices and stir-fry for a few minutes;
5. Finally, add a little salt for seasoning, stir well and serve.
Introduction: “Eat melons in summer, stay away from the hospital.” Eating these 3 types of melons more can clear heat, reduce fire, and keep healthy.
2. Wax Gourd – Diuretic and dampness dispelling
Recommended recipe: “Pea and Chicken Stewed Wax Gourd”
Ingredients: 1 small piece of wax gourd, 1 small piece of chicken breast, a handful of peas, 1 small spoon of starch, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, a little oil and salt
Preparation: 1. Marinate the chicken slices with a little salt, starch, soy sauce, and cooking wine, let it sit for 3 minutes;
2. Heat a pan, add some oil, stir-fry the chicken slices until they change color;
3. Add the wax gourd slices and stir-fry for a few minutes;
4. Add some soy sauce to color, then add some water;
5. Add the peas, and cook until done;
6. Season with a little salt and pepper, stir well, and thicken over high heat.
3. Luffa – Strengthens the heart and fights viruses
Recommended recipe: “Clam Cooked with Luffa”
Ingredients: 1 luffa, 1 small bowl of clams, 3 slices of ginger, a little scallion, oil, and salt
Preparation: 1. Clean the clams, boil water, cook the clams until they open their mouths, then quickly remove them and take out the clam meat;
2. Heat a pan, add oil, sauté the ginger, then add the luffa pieces and stir-fry for a few minutes;
3. Add some water to simmer until almost cooked, season with a little salt, and reduce the sauce;
4. Finally, add the prepared clam meat, stir well and serve.
