In autumn, with the arrival of the Beginning of Autumn, End of Heat, and White Dew solar terms, what ingredients are suitable for consumption?

The solar terms are divisions based on our ancestors’ observations of the sun’s position in the ecliptic and climate change. Food choices vary with each season and solar term.

This not only reflects the seasonality of the ingredients, but also the seasonal influences on how the ingredients’ warming and cooling properties, along with the richness and lightness of the food, can affect how the body feels.

Beginning of Autumn

August 7-9

“Beginning of Autumn” marks the beginning of autumn, with temperatures gradually dropping. This period of change, from warm to cool, sees the decline of yang energy and the growth of yin energy. It’s the season of harvest and the transition between yin and yang in the human body.

In early autumn, the summer heat lingers, and while there are cool breezes, the weather remains unpredictable, making it easy to catch a cold. Regarding diet, autumn’s dry air can damage body fluids, so a diet focused on nourishing yin and moistening the lungs is recommended.

End of Heat

August 22-24

End of Heat symbolizes the cooling of the weather, signaling the end of summer and the end of the hot spell.

End of Heat is prone to autumn dryness. The air contains less moisture and humidity decreases, leading to dry, rough skin, dry and painful nasal passages, and a dry mouth and throat. It’s best to eat more cold, juicy fruits and vegetables, limit spicy foods like chili peppers, and avoid barbecue.

White Dew

September 7-9

During White Dew, the weather turns cooler, and moisture condenses on the ground, a typical autumn experience. This truly marks the beginning of the cooler season, and appetites are gradually improving. However, avoid excessive tonics and be especially mindful of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. You’re also more susceptible to colds. A diet focused on light, easily digestible fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins is beneficial for alleviating autumn dryness.

How to Choose Daylilies

They have a natural brown color and a light fragrance without any odor. Fresh daylilies should have buds that are three-dimensional and elastic, with edges that are not withered or burnt.

Nutritional Value of Daylilies

Main Indications: Regulating liver qi, calming emotions, clearing heat and promoting urination, replenishing blood, reducing inflammation, and reducing edema.

Daylilies are the buds of a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Hemerocallis in the Liliaceae family. They are fresh, tender, and nutritious, containing a wealth of essential nutrients such as pollen, sugar, protein, vitamin C, calcium, fat, carotene, and amino acids. Their carotene content even exceeds that of tomatoes.

Daylilies can significantly lower serum cholesterol levels, benefiting those with hypertension. Daylilies also contain active ingredients that can inhibit cancer cell growth, and their rich crude fiber promotes bowel movements, making them a useful food for preventing and treating intestinal cancer.

Daylily Scrambled Eggs Recipe

Ingredients

Dried daylilies, eggs

Seasonings

Salt, sugar, white vinegar, sesame oil

Instructions

1. Soak the daylilies and set aside.
2. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and stir well.
3. Heat oil in a pan over low heat. Pour in the egg mixture and spread it out. Add the daylily flowers and stir-fry. Add a little salt, sugar, white vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Cover and simmer for 1 minute before removing from the heat.

How to Choose Sweet Potatoes

The surface should be smooth, free of sprouts, insect infestations, or damaged holes. The rootlets should not be too numerous.

Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes

Main Benefits: Moisturizing the intestines, promoting bowel movements, and strengthening the stomach and invigorating Qi.

Sweet potatoes are annual plants of the Convolvulaceae family. Their flesh is mostly yellow-white, but can also be purple. Besides being edible, they can also be used to make sugar, wine, and alcohol. Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients and are considered by nutritionists to be the most nutritionally balanced health food. They are ranked as the top anti-cancer vegetable.

Sweet potatoes contain a substance similar to estrogen that helps protect the skin and slow down aging. Therefore, many women consider sweet potatoes a beauty product.

The most potent anti-cancer nutrients in the diet are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and folate, all of which are found in high concentrations in sweet potatoes. Regular consumption of sweet potatoes helps maintain normal folate levels; low levels can increase the risk of cancer. Sweet potatoes are also rich in dietary fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal motility, prevents constipation, and helps prevent colon and rectal cancer.

Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, beta-carotene, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, all of which help prevent cardiovascular disease. Potassium contributes to the balance of cellular fluids and electrolytes, maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.

Beta-carotene and vitamin C have antioxidant effects, preventing atherosclerosis. Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B6 helps lower homocysteine ​​levels in the blood.

Sweet Potato Fortune Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes, eggs, all-purpose flour

Seasoning

Sugar, salt

Instructions

1. Peel the sweet potatoes, wash them, and grate them into thin strips.
2. In a bowl, beat the eggs, add sugar and salt, and mix well.
3. Add cold water and mix well. Add flour and mix until no particles remain.
4. Add the shredded sweet potato and mix well.
5. Heat oil in a frying pan. Add about a tablespoon of shredded sweet potato and fry until both sides are golden brown. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 seconds to release the oil.

Sweet Potato Rice Recipe

Ingredients

Sweet potato, white rice

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice, add 1 cup of water, and soak for 15 minutes.
2. Peel and dice the sweet potato.
3. Steam the diced sweet potato and rice in a rice cooker until cooked.

Candied Sweet Potato Recipe

Ingredients

Sweet potato, sesame seeds, sugar

Instructions

1. Peel the sweet potato, cut into dice, and fry in 70% hot oil until light brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Add 100 grams of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add sugar and stir-fry constantly until the sugar turns light yellow. Add the fried sweet potato chunks and stir-fry evenly to coat the sweet potato chunks.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the sweet potatoes and quickly transfer to a plate. Grease the plate with oil to prevent sticking. Use chopsticks dipped in cold water to scoop up the sweet potatoes.