立秋 August 7th marks the end of the hot summer and the gradual arrival of the cool autumn. Although the weather is starting to cool down, a period known as the “autumn tiger” weather may still occur after立秋, where the temperature is high, humidity is high, and it is easy to get overheated. At this time, dietary adjustments are particularly important.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that during立秋, one should pay attention to nourishing yin and restraining yang to prevent the excessive heat caused by the abundance of yang energy in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to eat less snake gourd and lamb during立秋, and consume more ingredients that can nourish yin and moisten dryness. These ingredients not only clear away heat and toxins but also moisten the lungs, making them ideal for consumption during立秋. Next, I will introduce four ingredients that should be eaten more after立秋, along with their recipes.
一、秋梨
Autumn pear is highly recommended during the立秋 period. Autumn pears are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, with the effects of moistening the mouth, clearing heat from the lungs, and resolving phlegm and cough. After立秋, although the weather is cooling down, the air remains dry, which can lead to discomfort in the throat. Eating autumn pears at this time can effectively alleviate these symptoms.
Recommended recipe: Autumn Pear Red Date Tremella Soup
Ingredients: 2 autumn pears, 10g tremella, 6 red dates, appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash the autumn pears, peel, remove the core, and cut into small pieces; soak the tremella in warm water in advance, tear it into small pieces; wash the red dates and set aside.
2. Cook the tremella: Put the soaked tremella in a pot, add enough water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes until the tremella becomes thick.
3. Add the autumn pears and red dates: During the stewing of the tremella, add the pieces of autumn pears and red dates to the pot, then add an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Continue to stew for about 20 minutes until the autumn pears are soft and the soup thickens. Once cooked, serve the tremella and autumn pear soup, let it cool slightly, and enjoy.
二、百合
Lily has a slightly cold and neutral nature, with the effects of calming the mind, nourishing the lungs, and stopping coughs. Lily is rich in various vitamins and minerals, especially beneficial for women in nourishing yin and beautifying the face. During the立秋 period, consuming lilies in moderation can help nourish yin and moisten dryness, balancing the yin and yang in the body.
Recommended recipe: Celery Black Fungus Shrimp Lily Stir-Fry
Ingredients: 100g lily, 100g celery, 50g black fungus, 50g carrots, 150g shrimp, ginger and garlic minced, cooking oil, salt, chicken essence.
Detailed instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash the lilies and soak them in clean water; soak the black fungus in advance, remove the roots, and tear into small pieces; cut celery and carrots into segments or slices; wash the shrimp and drain.
2. Blanch in hot water: Blanch the lilies, black fungus, and carrots separately, then quickly remove and rinse with cold water to maintain color and texture.
3. Stir-fry: Heat the wok with oil, stir-fry the minced ginger and garlic until fragrant, then add the shrimp and stir-fry quickly until the shrimp changes color. Add celery, black fungus, and carrots, stir-fry evenly. Finally, add the lilies, season with salt and chicken essence, stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, then serve.
三、银耳
Silver ear fungus, known as the “commoner’s bird’s nest,” is highly nutritious. Silver ear fungus has a sweet and flat taste, rich in plant gelatin, with the effects of moistening the lungs and saliva, supplementing qi and nourishing blood, nourishing yin, and moistening dryness. It is not only suitable for consumption in autumn and winter seasons but also effective in alleviating the impact of dry weather on the body during the立秋 period.
Recommended recipe: Scallop Meat Mixed with Silver Ear Fungus
Ingredients: 10g silver ear fungus, 150g scallop meat, minced garlic, 2 dried red chilies, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, a little sugar.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Soak the silver ear fungus in warm water, tear into small pieces; wash the scallop meat, blanch and remove; cut the dried red chilies into small pieces, heat a little oil in a pan, add the dried red chilies and minced garlic, fry until fragrant, then set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, add light soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and sugar, mix well to make the sauce.
3. Mix with silver ear fungus: Place the silver ear fungus in the dish, add the blanched scallop meat, pour over the fragrant garlic and chili oil, then drizzle with the prepared sauce, gently mix well, and serve.
四、莲藕
Lotus root is crisp and delicious, rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, with the effects of clearing heat, cooling blood, nourishing the stomach, and invigorating the spleen. Lotus root is particularly suitable for consumption during the立秋 period, as it can nourish yin, moisten dryness, help digestion, and promote appetite.
Recommended recipe: Okra Bell Pepper Black Fungus Stir-Fry with Lotus Root
Ingredients: 200g lotus root, 100g okra, 1 bell pepper, 50g black fungus, minced ginger and garlic, salt, light soy sauce, cooking oil.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash the lotus root, cut into sections; wash the okra, cut into sections; cut the bell pepper into pieces; soak the black fungus, tear into small pieces after soaking.
2. Blanch: Blanch the lotus root, okra, and black fungus separately, then rinse with cold water to maintain a tender texture.
3. Stir-fry: Heat the wok with oil, add minced ginger and garlic, stir-fry until fragrant, then add lotus root, okra, bell pepper, and black fungus. Stir-fry over high heat, season with salt and light soy sauce, stir well, then serve.
During the立秋 period, as the temperature changes, the body’s dietary needs also change. Selecting ingredients such as autumn pears, lilies, silver ear fungus, and lotus root, which nourish yin and moisten dryness, can help balance the body’s yin and yang, avoiding discomfort caused by autumn heat. By properly combining these ingredients, not only can you enjoy delicious meals but also provide comprehensive nutritional support to the body.
