After Minor Heat, Whether Rich or Poor, Don’t Forget to Eat the "Three Treasures of Minor Heat" to Prepare for the Dog Days and Stay Healthy Through Midsummer

Our ancestors said, "The hottest days come during the Dog Days," and Minor Heat serves as the prelude to this scorching period. During this time, the focus of our diet should be on light, nourishing foods—clearing heat, calming the mind, and gentle supplementation. When it comes to the "secret weapons" for the dining table at this time, the following three treasures are absolutely indispensable.

First Treasure: Lotus Root

Born from the mud yet pure and crisp, the lotus root is like a cool spring in the sweltering heat, capable of soothing inner restlessness. Rich in dietary fiber, it acts as a refreshing mat for the stomach, clearing heat, cooling the blood, and invigorating the spleen. In the kitchen, a plump, snow-white lotus root is truly a summer blessing.

Recommended Recipe: Sweet and Sour Lotus Root Cubes

1. Wash and peel the lotus root and carrot, then cut them into bite-sized rolling wedges.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a few drops of oil and a pinch of salt. Blanch the lotus root and carrot for about 2–3 minutes until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water for extra crispness.

3. Prepare the sweet and sour sauce: Mix 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, ½ tbsp light soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp water in a bowl.

4. Heat oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add the blanched lotus root and carrot. Stir-fry quickly over medium heat.

5. Pour in the sauce, increase the heat, and toss well to coat every piece. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving. The crunchy lotus root and naturally sweet carrot, coated in tangy sauce, instantly cut through the stifling heat with every bite.

Second Treasure: Winter Melon

Despite its wintry name, winter melon is a master at cooling the body. Sweet and juicy, it seems to contain a hidden well of relief, excelling at clearing heat, promoting urination, and reducing swelling. A bowl of winter melon soup on the table during the Dog Days feels like a gentle internal rain shower.

Recommended Recipe: Winter Melon, Goji Berry, and Duck Soup

1. Cut half an old duck into pieces, then blanch in cold water with ginger slices and 1 tbsp cooking wine. Skim off the foam, remove the duck, and rinse.

2. Transfer the duck to a clay pot or soup pot, add enough water, along with ginger slices and a section of scallion. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for about 40 minutes until the broth turns rich and fragrant.

3. Peel and deseed the winter melon, cutting it into thick slices or chunks. Add to the pot once the duck is tender and simmer for another 15 minutes until the melon turns translucent but still holds its shape.

4. Toss in a handful of goji berries and cook for 2–3 more minutes. Season with salt to taste. The clear broth, tender duck, melt-in-your-mouth winter melon, and vibrant goji berries create a soothing sip that instantly dispels summer heat.

Third Treasure: Lotus Seeds

Emerging from the depths of muddy ponds, lotus seeds carry a serene and balancing energy. In the blazing heat of summer, when restlessness runs high, lotus seeds—known to nourish the heart, calm the spirit, and strengthen the spleen and kidneys—are a perfect remedy. A single soft, sweet lotus seed can pacify the season’s agitation.

Recommended Recipe: Red Date, Lotus Seed, and White Fungus Sweet Soup

1. Soak dried white fungus in cold water for 1–2 hours, then trim off the tough base and tear into small florets. Soak dried lotus seeds (or use fresh ones if available) and remove any bitter cores. Pit the red dates.

2. Combine the white fungus, lotus seeds, and red dates in a pot with ample water. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 40–60 minutes until the broth thickens slightly from the fungus’s gelatin. (A pressure cooker speeds this up—20 minutes after reaching pressure.)

3. Once the fungus turns silky, add goji berries and rock sugar (or brown sugar), stirring until dissolved. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes. Serve warm or chilled. The velvety fungus, subtly sweet lotus seeds, fragrant dates, and caramel-like sugar create a dessert so comforting it feels like a balm for summer’s irritations.

Final Thoughts

Minor Heat has passed, and the Dog Days approach. May we all remember these "Three Treasures of Minor Heat," letting them transform into refreshing springs and breezes on our tongues, guiding us through the long, sweltering summer with wellness and ease.

(Expanded for length while preserving original meaning and cultural context.)