Grain Rain (Guyu)
Enjoy seasonal fresh foods, keep flavors light and gentle, and go easy on greasy or overly drying dishes.
Script
Hello, and welcome to Grain Rain, or Guyu. The classic meaning says it is the midpoint term of the third lunar month. Since Rain Water, the soil has been loosening, and now rain falls again on the sown grain. In everyday spring eating, people value fresh foods and light flavors. Chinese toon is a classic seasonal choice, with its tender shoots. Cucumber is crisp and refreshing for simple home-style meals. Spring tea is fragrant and fresh, and is often enjoyed in small amounts. A common dish is tofu with Chinese toon, tossed gently for a fresh taste. Go easy on greasy, heavy, spicy, and strongly seasoned food. And with spring tea, do not brew it too strong or drink it on an empty stomach. For more ideas, please look to the Grain Rain Seasonal Fresh Ingredient Set.
On the table this season
- Chinese Toon (Xiangchun)warm
Traditionally eaten around Grain Rain when the shoots are especially tender and fresh, making it a classic spring flavor.
- Cucumber (Huanggua)cool
Crisp, refreshing, and tender, it suits simple home-style meals in late spring.
- Spring Tea (Chuncha)cool
New-season tea is fragrant and fresh, and fits the season of Grain Rain.
- Pea Shoots (Doumiao)cool
Tender, green, and fresh, they suit a light and simple spring diet.
- Perch (Luyu)neutral
The flesh is delicate and clean-tasting, which suits light cooking methods.
Cook it
Tofu with Chinese Toon (Xiangchun Ban Doufu)
Ingredients: Chinese Toon (Xiangchun), Firm Tofu, Sesame Oil, Light Soy Sauce, Salt
- Wash the Chinese toon, blanch it briefly in boiling water, then remove, squeeze dry, and chop finely.
- Blanch the tofu briefly, remove and let cool, then cut into small cubes.
- Place the Chinese toon and tofu in a bowl, then add a little salt, light soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Toss gently and serve right away for the freshest taste.
Steamed Perch with Cucumber (Qingzheng Luyu Pei Huanggua)
Ingredients: Perch, Cucumber, Ginger, Scallion, Cooking Wine, Salt
- Clean the perch and season lightly with ginger slices, scallion segments, a little salt, and cooking wine.
- Place the fish on a plate and steam until fully cooked, then remove and discard some of the ginger and scallion.
- Wash the cucumber and cut into thin shreds or slices, then arrange beside the fish or around the plate.
- Top the fish with a few scallion shreds and drizzle with a little hot oil before serving.
Go easy on
- Eat less overly greasy and heavy food.
- Eat less spicy, drying, and strongly seasoned food.
- Fresh spring tea is enjoyable, but avoid drinking it on an empty stomach or brewing it too strong.
Classical source
穀雨，三月中。自雨水後，土膏脉動，今又雨其穀于水也。Yueling Qishier Hou Jijie (Wu Cheng, Yuan dynasty)
Grain Rain is the midpoint term of the third lunar month. The soil has been loosening since Rain Water, and now rain falls again on the sown grain.
Original text on Wikisource · Diet text drafted with AI and pending expert review.