Summer Solstice (Xiazhi)
Around the Summer Solstice, food is best kept light, with more fluids and gentle support for digestion.
Script
Hello, and welcome to Summer Solstice, Xiazhi. In the classic, Xia means great and zhi means utmost. It is the midpoint term of the fifth lunar month, when all things reach their fullest growth. In seasonal food tradition, people often choose light foods. Winter melon is refreshing for a summer meal. Lotus root brings a crisp, gentle feel to seasonal cooking. Mung beans are also common in summer soups and drinks. A traditional dish for this term is winter melon and mung bean soup. Another seasonal custom is eating noodles at the Summer Solstice. One thing to go easy on is overly greasy and heavy food. And do not replace regular meals with fruit alone. For today’s kitchen, look to the Summer Solstice Refreshing Ingredient Pack.
On the table this season
- Winter Melon (Donggua)cool
It has plenty of moisture and is traditionally eaten for a refreshing summer meal.
- Lotus Root (Lian'ou)cool
Its crisp texture suits seasonal dishes and light summer cooking.
- Mung Beans (Lüdou)cold
They are traditionally eaten in soups and drinks during summer.
- Peach (Taozi)warm
In-season peaches are fragrant and fit the season for fresh eating.
- Noodles (Miantiao)neutral
Eating noodles at the Summer Solstice is a traditional seasonal custom.
Cook it
Winter Melon and Mung Bean Soup (Donggua Lüdou Tang)
Ingredients: Winter Melon, Mung Beans, Ginger, Water
- Rinse the mung beans and soak briefly; peel the winter melon and cut it into chunks.
- Add water to a pot and cook the mung beans first until they begin to split slightly.
- Add the winter melon and a few slices of ginger, then continue cooking until the winter melon is tender.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly; it is especially refreshing when served warm.
Lotus Root and Shredded Pork Noodles (Lian'ou Rousi Mian)
Ingredients: Lotus Root, Pork Tenderloin, Noodles, Scallion, Ginger, Soy Sauce
- Cut the lotus root into fine strips, slice the pork into shreds, and prepare the scallion and ginger.
- Heat a little oil in a pan, stir-fry the ginger and pork, then add the lotus root and cook briefly.
- Add water and a little soy sauce, bring to a boil, then simmer for a short time.
- Cook the noodles in a separate pot, transfer them into the broth, and finish with chopped scallion.
Go easy on
- Eat less overly greasy and heavy food.
- Do not overdo iced drinks and frozen desserts, especially before and after meals.
- Because summer brings more sweating, do not replace regular meals with fruit alone.
Classical source
夏至，五月中。《韻會》曰：夏，假也；至，極也；萬物于此皆假大而至極也。Yueling Qishier Hou Jijie (Wu Cheng, Yuan dynasty)
Summer Solstice is the midpoint term of the fifth lunar month. Quoting a rhyme dictionary: "xia" means great and "zhi" means utmost, for all things reach their fullest growth.
Original text on Wikisource · Diet text drafted with AI and pending expert review.