Limit of Heat (Chushu)
As lingering summer heat fades, food should be light, gently moistening, and balanced.
Script
Hello, I’m here with Limit of Heat, Chushu. As the classic says, “Chu” means to stop, so the summer heat comes to an end here. In early autumn, people keep meals light, gently moistening, and balanced. A seasonal tradition is duck, often eaten after Chushu for its mild taste. Snow fungus is another gentle choice, with a soft texture that suits this time. Edamame also belongs on the table in everyday meals, fresh and simple. For a dish, braised edamame and water caltrop is a practical autumn pairing. It fits a home-style meal very well. Go easy on overly spicy, drying food, and don’t overdo iced drinks or frozen desserts. If you want to cook along, look for the Chushu Light & Moistening Ingredient Pack.
On the table this season
- Duck (Yarou)cool
Traditionally eaten after Chushu as a mild-tasting meat choice.
- Snow Fungus (Yiner)neutral
Its soft, soothing texture suits early autumn.
- Edamame (Maodou)neutral
A seasonal fresh bean that works well in everyday meals.
- Water Caltrop (Lingjiao)cool
A seasonal aquatic ingredient with a clean, delicate taste.
- Winter Jujube (Dongzao)neutral
A fresh early-autumn fruit that is crisp and pleasantly sweet.
Cook it
Duck and Snow Fungus Soup (Yiner Ya Tang)
Ingredients: Duck (Yarou), Snow Fungus (Yiner), Ginger, Scallion, Salt
- Soak the snow fungus, remove the firm base, and tear it into small pieces; cut the duck into chunks.
- Blanch the duck in cold water, then remove and rinse off any foam.
- Place the duck, snow fungus, sliced ginger, and scallion segments into a pot and add enough water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat until tender; season with a little salt at the end.
Braised Edamame and Water Caltrop (Maodou Shao Lingjiao)
Ingredients: Edamame (Maodou), Water Caltrop (Lingjiao), Ginger, Scallion, Cooking Oil, Salt
- Shell the edamame; wash and peel the water caltrop, then cut into pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan, add chopped ginger and scallion, and stir-fry until fragrant; add the edamame and stir-fry briefly.
- Add the water caltrop pieces, toss well, pour in a small amount of water, and cover to cook for a short time.
- When both are fully cooked, add a little salt and reduce the liquid slightly before serving.
Go easy on
- Eat less overly spicy, drying food.
- Do not overdo iced drinks and frozen desserts; gentler foods fit the season better.
- Do not start heavy seasonal weight-gain eating too early; keep greasy, rich foods limited.
Classical source
處暑，七月中。處，止也。暑氣至此而止矣。Yueling Qishier Hou Jijie (Wu Cheng, Yuan dynasty)
End of Heat is the midpoint term of the seventh lunar month. "Chu" means to stop: the summer heat comes to an end here.
Original text on Wikisource · Diet text drafted with AI and pending expert review.