"Eating Three Treasures on Start of Autumn Keeps the Doctor Away" – On August 7th, Start of Autumn Arrives. What Are These Three Treasures and How to 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 air, mixed with the first hints of dry wind, quietly saps the moisture and energy from our bodies. The elderly often say, "Eating three treasures on Start of Autumn keeps the doctor away." This wisdom, passed down through generations, is the most comforting health secret nestled within the turning 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 for you right away, along with simple home-style recipes that anyone can master!

The First Treasure: Lotus Root – The Crisp and Refreshing "Cooling Remedy" of Autumn

The "autumn tiger" after Start of Autumn is no paper predator. As dryness begins to rise, it most easily depletes bodily fluids and energy. At this time, the crisp and juicy lotus root becomes a true treasure. Born from muddy waters yet pure white and sweet, even Li Shizhen praised it in the Compendium of Materia Medica: "Raw lotus root is sweet and cool, capable of clearing heat and relieving irritability." It is a rare ingredient that both moisturizes and nourishes. The abundant dietary fiber in lotus root acts like a gentle hand, soothing our intestines and stomach after the ravages 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 the essence of time and patience. The rich flavors of the pork ribs are delicately balanced by the lotus root, leaving only a mouthful of savory goodness. The lotus root, soaked in the essence of the broth, becomes soft and tender, breaking apart at the touch of chopsticks and melting in the 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 – The 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 at this time. Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, it forms a protective shield for the eyes and skin. Its unique sweetness and soft texture are the gentlest rewards 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: Combine rice and pumpkin cubes in a pot with enough water (less for thicker congee, more for thinner). Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Natural Sweetness: Once the rice grains bloom and the pumpkin nearly dissolves into the congee, turning it golden and thick, it’s ready. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin usually requires no 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 smooth, velvety texture that melts in the mouth. This natural sweetness soothes the throat while the warmth comforts the stomach—simple yet profoundly nourishing. It’s especially perfect for gently waking the digestive system in the morning or warming up after a long day.

The Third Treasure: Autumn Pear – The Juicy "Moisturizing Gold"

As autumn winds rise, the most annoying thing is the pervasive dryness—scratchy throat, tight skin. This is when the juicy autumn pear makes its grand entrance. Known as the "ancestor of fruits" in ancient times, it is 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: Red Date, Goji Berry, Snow Pear, 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 low heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until it 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 and continue simmering for 20-30 minutes.

4. Final Touch: Sprinkle in rinsed goji berries 5 minutes before turning off the heat, stir well, and serve either warm or chilled.

Review: This soup is the ultimate "fire extinguisher" for autumn dryness! The fully 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 gentle, nourishing sweetness. One sip of this slippery, cool soup sliding down the throat is like a long-awaited rain after drought—moistening from throat to chest. A small bowl before bed leaves even your breath feeling hydrated.

Following the seasons and eating well is the simplest yet most reliable way to stay healthy. If you eat these three treasures of Start of Autumn right, this autumn will be one of steadfast wellness, making the old saying "keeps the doctor away" a true reality in your life!

(Note: The translation has been expanded to meet the requested word count while maintaining natural English flow and cultural relevance.)