Cold Dew, the fifth solar term of autumn, reflects significant climatic shifts. After its arrival, daylight hours shorten while nights lengthen. Warmth gradually recedes as chill takes hold. Recently, people have felt temperatures drop noticeably, with a hint of coldness creeping in when the wind brushes against the skin.Cold Dew holds special significance. So what foods do people traditionally eat on this day? If you're unsure, let's explore the customary foods for nourishing health during Cold Dew.
Traditional Foods for Cold Dew:
1. Crab
Many people enjoy crab during Cold Dew, a time-honored custom.Crab meat at this time is tender and exceptionally flavorful. Rich in protein, vitamin A, minerals, and other nutrients, it's a beloved food for many.
Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine considers crab to have cooling properties that nourish yin, unblock meridians, generate essence, strengthen marrow, clear heat, and disperse nodules. Eating it in moderation can help maintain health. Steaming is the cooking method that preserves the highest nutritional value.Generally, consuming one crab per day is optimal, as excessive intake may lead to digestive issues.
However, it's important to note that despite their high nutritional value, crabs are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with a cold constitution, pregnant women, and those experiencing menstruation or postpartum recovery should avoid them. Due to their cold nature, crabs can exacerbate coldness in women, potentially causing issues like painful menstruation or miscarriage.
2.Flower Cakes
After the Cold Dew solar term, the weather grows colder, and plants begin to wither. Many people enjoy flower cakes during this season, which contain ingredients like walnut kernels, small dates, loquats, dried apples, and dried peaches.The key to autumn health preservation lies in nourishing yin and preventing dryness. Peanuts have the effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, and they also help resist intestinal viruses. Therefore, during the Cold Dew solar term, many people enjoy stewing peanuts in soups for dietary therapy. Examples include peanut and pig's trotter soup, peanut and pork bone soup, and peanut, red date, and adzuki bean soup.
4. Citrus Fruits
What are the best health foods for Cold Dew? Citrus fruits are among them. Typically available in autumn, they are currently in season. Eating seasonal foods aligns with nature's rhythm to nourish the body. Rich in vitamin B1, citrus fruits offer a sweet-tart flavor and high water content, quenching thirst and promoting saliva production.Therefore, as Cold Dew arrives, fruit lovers should remember to pick up some citrus when shopping.
Cold Dew Wellness Tips:
1. Increase Fluid Intake
Cold Dew marks deep autumn, bringing noticeably cooler weather. Though the season shifts, dryness persists, leaving the air parched.Now is the time to increase your intake of soups and broths. They help replenish nutrients while also hydrating your body, compensating for the moisture lost due to dryness.
Here are some soups worth preparing during the Cold Dew season: Spinach and Pork Liver Soup—nourishes the blood; Peanut and Chicken Feet Soup—nourishes the skin; Radish and Pork Rib Soup—boosts disease resistance;Lotus Root and Beef Brisket Soup — boosts energy and nourishes blood. 2. Strengthen Immunity As temperatures drop, regular exercise is essential to bolster immunity. Otherwise, cold air can easily invade the body and lead to illness. Those in good physical condition may practice "autumn frost therapy" — intentionally exposing oneself to cool air to strengthen the body and acclimate it to colder weather.
When exercising to boost immunity, remember to wear a jacket when going out early to avoid catching a chill. Before starting your workout, perform some stretching exercises while wearing your jacket. Only remove it once your body feels slightly warm to prevent getting cold during exercise.