As the beginning of autumn approaches, don’t forget to consume the “Five Treasures” to expel cold, eliminate dampness, nourish, and moisturize, ensuring a healthy transition from summer to autumn.
During the hottest period of the year known as “San Fu”, the autumnal equinox is also approaching. Despite the name “Beginning of Autumn”, it should not be underestimated. The recent temperatures have remained high, making it unbearable. Learning to nourish the body is of utmost importance.
With the arrival of the Beginning of Autumn, in order to smoothly transition through the changing seasons, avoid excessive indulgence in cold drinks, watermelon, ice cream, etc. It’s not advisable to consume them in large quantities. An occasional indulgence is acceptable.
As the Beginning of Autumn approaches, remember to consume the “Five Treasures” – high in nutritional value, they expel cold, eliminate dampness, nourish, and moisturize, helping you maintain good health during the transition between summer and autumn.
1. Grapes
It is advisable to consume more grapes during this period as it is a seasonal fruit at the end of summer and beginning of autumn. Grapes replenish water, vitamins, dietary fiber, and have excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, and relieving dryness effects, which can also aid digestion in such hot weather.
2. Lotus Seeds
During the end of summer and beginning of autumn, when the weather is extremely dry and hot, consuming lotus seeds can have beneficial effects such as clearing heat, nourishing the heart, calming the mind, and promoting spleen and stomach health. It is worth increasing your intake.
【Lotus Seed and Tremella Soup】
Ingredients: Lotus seeds, Tremella, Red dates, Goji berries, Water
After soaking the Tremella until soft and clean, shred it and place it in a pot. Add an adequate amount of water to start cooking. While it cooks, wash the lotus seeds, red dates, and goji berries. Once the Tremella becomes sticky, add the lotus seeds and red dates, then continue cooking for 15 minutes. Finally, add the goji berries, adjust the sweetness with rock sugar according to taste, stir well, and serve.
3. Lotus Root
Overall, foods with ample moisture content should be consumed, and lotus root is one of them. Regular consumption of lotus root has benefits such as moisturizing, clearing heat, nourishing yin, and promoting spleen health.
【Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup】
Ingredients: Lotus root, Pork ribs, Goji berries, Ginger slices, Cooking wine, Salt
After cleaning the pork ribs, blanch them in boiling water with ginger slices and cooking wine, then remove and rinse well. Prepare a new pot, add the pork ribs and ginger, fill with water, and start simmering. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, simmer for an hour, then add the lotus root chunks and continue simmering for 20 minutes. Season with goji berries and salt to taste, then serve.
4. Chinese Yam
As the end of summer and beginning of autumn approach, preventing autumn dryness is crucial. Chinese yam is a great moistening food that nourishes, moisturizes, strengthens the spleen, stomach, and boosts immunity due to its high nutritional value.
【Stir-Fried Chinese Yam】
Ingredients: Chinese yam, Wood ear mushrooms, Carrots, Green pepper, Salt, MSG, Cooking oil
Clean and prepare all the ingredients, then heat some cooking oil in a wok. Once hot, add the chopped Chinese yam, wood ear mushrooms, and carrots, stir-fry until nearly cooked, then season with salt and MSG. Finally, add the green pepper and stir-fry for another minute before serving.
5. White Radish
During the Beginning of Autumn, consume more white radish to replenish water, vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, and to moisturize, nourish, and promote appetite. This will lead to a healthier and more comfortable body.
【White Radish and Beef Stew】
Ingredients: White radish, Beef ribs, Green onions, Ginger, Cooking wine, Salt, White pepper, Parsley
Cut the white radish into chunks, and the beef ribs into pieces. Blanch the beef ribs with green onions, ginger, cooking wine, then remove and set aside. In a clean pot, add the beef ribs, ginger, and water, then simmer. After boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Add the white radish and continue simmering for 20 minutes, season with salt, white pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
