According to the traditional Chinese calendar, summer starts now (May 6, 2021). This is the time when the sun’s heat finally warms the earth and prompts everything to grow and to move. Naturally, insects and wild animals become very active during this time of year due to the increase in temperature and relative humidity, and crops start to grow rapidly.
If the heat is too strong, the plants will grow quickly, but their stalks will be weaker. Fast growth also affects their flavor.
Clever farmers in ancient China would use summer tea leaves in fruit or flavored tea blends, in mixes that included plum flowers, berries, orange, or jasmine. The fruits and flowers masked the taste of the less-flavorful tea leaves.
The heat from this solar term not only affects the earth; it also affects our bodies. Very hot weather can damage the heart. Thus, during the summer we need to take good care of our circulatory system. We can do this, in part, by staying calm and avoiding getting angry. It is also important to eat a healthy, cooling diet.
In ancient China, Emperor Qianlong from the Qing Dynasty (1711–1799) used to reduce his body heat by making summer teas from the morning dew of water lily leaves, and the green lotus seed sprouts from his palace gardens.
Both of these plants are considered extremely cold in the traditional Chinese medicine system of classification. This method classifies foods according to their nature, not by whether they are physically cold or warm to the touch.
According to a book written in the Warring States period, “Yurling,” women used to drink plum juice with wine, hoping to stay young forever. It is very good to eat plum at this time of the year to promote beauty.
The elderly, or people with weak health, often have a poor appetite around this time. Therefore, it is important to design a well-balanced diet for them and pay extra attention to their well-being.
Tips for Living in Harmony With the Season
Taking midday naps can be beneficial, as it helps to strengthen the heart.Drink plenty of water.
Avoid exposure to wind after sweating.
Seasonal Foods to Beat the Heat
Avoid alcohol and strongly flavored or greasy foods. This protects the skin from rashes or irritation brought on by the increase in humidity.Enjoy foods such as bean sprouts, celery, cucumbers, eggplants, eggs, fava beans, fish, millet, milk, oats, seaweed, spinach, tofu, tomatoes, wheat, and zucchini.
Enjoy fruits such as cherries, grapefruit, strawberries, lemons, melons, and passion fruit.
Enjoy any red-colored foods and avoid over-processed foods.
