"Eating the Three Treasures on Start of Autumn Keeps the Doctor Away" – On August 7th, Start of Autumn Arrives. What Are These Three Treasures and How Should We Eat Them?

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The footsteps of Start of Autumn tread upon the summer heat—August 7th is solemnly marked on the calendar. Though it’s called "autumn," the lingering summer heat refuses to retreat easily. The scorching dryness, mingled with the first hints of crisp wind, quietly saps the moisture and energy from our bodies. The elders often say, "Eating the three treasures on Start of Autumn keeps the doctor away." This time-honored wisdom is the most comforting health-preserving secret passed down through the seasons.

So, what exactly are these three treasures of Start of Autumn? And what nourishing mysteries do they hold? Don’t worry—we’ll reveal them to you right away, along with simple home-style recipes that anyone can master at a glance!

The First Treasure: Lotus Root – A Refreshing "Cooling Remedy" for Autumn

After Start of Autumn, the "autumn tiger" (late summer heat) is no paper threat. As dryness begins to rise, it easily depletes bodily fluids and energy. At this time, the juicy lotus root becomes a true treasure. Born from mud yet pure white and sweet, even Li Shizhen praised it in the Compendium of Materia Medica: "Raw lotus root is sweet and cooling, capable of clearing heat and relieving irritability." It’s a rare ingredient that both refreshes and nourishes. The abundant dietary fiber in lotus root acts like a gentle hand, soothing our digestion after the turmoil of summer heat.

Recommended Recipe: Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup

1. Prep and Blanch: Place pork ribs in cold water, add a few slices of ginger and a spoonful of cooking wine, bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then remove and rinse. Peel the lotus root and cut into chunks.

2. Slow Simmer for Flavor: Put the ribs and ginger slices into a clay pot, add enough water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 1 hour. Add the lotus root chunks and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.

3. Season and Serve: When the broth turns milky white and the lotus root becomes tender, lightly season with salt, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and enjoy.

This soup is a slow-cooked masterpiece of warmth and comfort. The rich flavors of the pork ribs are perfectly balanced by the lotus root, leaving only a mouthful of savory delight. The lotus root, soaked in the essence of the broth, becomes so tender it melts in your mouth. A steaming bowl of this soup soothes from throat to stomach, instantly calming the early autumn dryness—a favorite for the whole family!

The Second Treasure: Pumpkin – A Golden "Stomach Warmer"

As Start of Autumn arrives, the cool breezes of morning and evening require extra care for the stomach and spleen. The golden pumpkin, warm in nature and sweet in taste, is the perfect choice for nurturing the digestive system. Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, it acts as a protective shield for the eyes and skin. Its unique sweetness and soft texture are the gentlest reward for a weary stomach.

Recommended Recipe: Pumpkin Congee

1. Prep Ingredients: Peel and deseed the pumpkin, then cut into small cubes. Rinse the rice thoroughly.

2. Simmer to Softness: Add the rice and pumpkin cubes to a pot with enough water (less for thicker congee, more for thinner). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Natural Sweetness: When the rice blooms and the pumpkin nearly dissolves into the congee, turning it golden and thick, it’s ready. The natural sweetness of pumpkin usually eliminates the need for added sugar.

Waking up to a bowl of golden pumpkin congee is pure comfort! The pumpkin’s sweetness infuses every grain of rice, creating a silky, smooth texture that melts on the tongue. This natural sweetness soothes the throat while the warmth comforts the stomach—simple yet profoundly satisfying. It’s especially perfect for gently waking up the digestive system in the morning or warming up after a long day. Humble yet packed with nourishment.

The Third Treasure: Autumn Pear – A Juicy "Moisturizing Gem"

As autumn winds rise, the most annoying thing is the pervasive dryness—scratchy throat, tight skin. This is when the succulent autumn pear takes center stage. Hailed by ancient people as the "ancestor of all fruits," it’s cool in nature, sweet with a hint of tartness, excelling at generating fluids, moistening dryness, clearing heat, and dissolving phlegm. The abundant water and fructose in pears act like a timely rain, instantly hydrating parched "soil."

Recommended Recipe: Snow Pear, Red Date, and White Fungus Soup

1. Prepare White Fungus: Soak dried white fungus in cold water for 1-2 hours until softened. Remove the yellow stem base and tear into small florets.

2. Simmer White Fungus: Place the white fungus in a pot with enough water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30 minutes until the fungus releases its gelatinous texture and the broth thickens slightly.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Peel and core the snow pear, then cut into chunks. Rinse the red dates. Add the pear chunks, red dates, and rock sugar (to taste) to the pot, continuing to simmer for another 20-30 minutes.

4. Final Touch: Five minutes before turning off the heat, stir in rinsed goji berries. Serve warm or chilled.

Review: This dessert soup is the ultimate "fire extinguisher" for autumn dryness! The thoroughly simmered white fungus releases a rich, silky gelatin, while the snow pear chunks become translucent and melt-in-the-mouth tender, offering a refreshing sweetness with a hint of tartness. The red dates and goji berries not only add color but also a layer of warming sweetness. One sip of this slippery, cool soup gliding down the throat is like a long-awaited rain after a drought—moisturizing from throat to chest. A small bowl before bed leaves even your breath feeling hydrated.

Following the rhythms of nature and eating well is the simplest yet most reliable way to preserve health. Enjoy these three treasures of Start of Autumn, and we’ll pass this autumn sturdily and healthily, making the old saying "keeps the doctor away" a tangible reality in our daily lives!

(Note: The original text was expanded to meet the 800-word requirement while maintaining natural flow and readability.)