The Dog Days Are Coming: Remember to Eat the "Four Treasures of Futian" for a Healthy Summer, Regardless of Wealth

As the old saying goes, "The heat peaks during the Dog Days." The term "Futian" (the hottest period of summer) embodies ancient wisdom of living in harmony with nature—when the yang energy is at its zenith, and the air is thick with heat and humidity, the body naturally craves cooling, appetizing, and dampness-dispelling foods. But fret not, the kitchen holds a calm and simple answer. Aligning with the season and balancing body and mind to weather the summer smoothly can be found in a few humble, home-cooked dishes. Today, let’s talk about the "Four Treasures of Futian." Whether you’re rich or poor, keeping these dishes in your kitchen will help you beat the heat.

First Treasure: Stir-Fried Green Peppers with Eggs

Quick Recipe:

1. Wash green peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into thin strips or small pieces. Crack two or three eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and beat until the mixture is frothy.

2. Heat oil in a pan. Once the oil is warm, pour in the egg mixture with a sizzle. Quickly scramble with a spatula until fluffy and tender, then set aside.

3. Add a little more oil to the pan, toss in the green pepper strips, and stir-fry over high heat until the edges curl slightly and the color turns vibrant.

4. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, stir-fry briefly with the peppers, season with salt or soy sauce to taste, give it a final toss, and serve.

Second Treasure: Duck Stewed with Ginger

Quick Recipe:

1. Cut duck meat into chunks (preferably young duck or duck legs), blanch in cold water with a few ginger slices and a spoonful of cooking wine. Skim off the foam, then remove and rinse the duck.

2. Heat a little oil in a pot, sauté ginger slices (generous amount) and scallion segments until fragrant. Add the duck pieces and stir-fry until the skin turns slightly golden.

3. Splash with cooking wine, add enough hot water to submerge the duck, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Stew for 40 minutes to an hour until the duck is tender and the broth thickens. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with scallions for freshness or reduce the sauce for a richer flavor.

Third Treasure: Winter Melon and Pork Dumplings

Quick Recipe:

1. Peel and deseed winter melon, grate into fine shreds, mix with a little salt, and let sit to draw out moisture. Squeeze dry and set aside.

2. Combine ground pork (30% fat, 70% lean) with minced scallion and ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and white pepper. Stir vigorously in one direction until the mixture is cohesive.

3. Mix the squeezed winter melon shreds into the pork, drizzle with a little sesame oil for aroma, and blend well to form the filling.

4. Wrap the dumplings, boil in water, adding two cups of cold water during cooking. When the dumplings float plumply to the surface, they’re done.

Fourth Treasure: Stir-Fried Chives with Shrimp

Quick Recipe:

1. Peel and devein fresh shrimp, rinse and drain. Marinate briefly with cooking wine, white pepper, and a little starch.

2. Clean and trim chives, cut into inch-long sections.

3. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan, stir-fry the shrimp until they curl and turn pink, then remove.

4. In the same pan (add a little more oil if needed), stir-fry the chives over high heat until slightly wilted.

5. Return the shrimp to the pan, splash with soy sauce or oyster sauce for umami, toss quickly, and serve.

These four ordinary ingredients, taking turns in the kitchen during the Dog Days, form the most reliable "Four Treasures of Futian." They may not be luxurious, but they embody the simple wisdom of seasonal nourishment—green peppers and eggs combat heat with speed, ginger and duck gently dispel dampness, winter melon dumplings lock in freshness, and chives with shrimp awaken the appetite with their pungent aroma.

As Minor Heat gives way to the Dog Days, don’t let the scorching weather drain your energy. Within the modest space of your kitchen lies the wisdom to navigate summer with ease. Buy a handful of green peppers, slice some old ginger, pick up half a winter melon, and weigh out a few ounces of shrimp—eating seasonally, simply and ordinarily, is the most comforting path to well-being.

Expanding on Seasonal Eating for Summer Wellness

Beyond these four treasures, summer offers an abundance of foods that help maintain balance during the hottest months. Here are a few additional tips for staying healthy and cool:

• Hydrating Fruits: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches are excellent for replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat. Their high water content and natural sweetness make them perfect summer snacks.

• Herbal Teas: Chrysanthemum tea, mint tea, or green tea can cool the body from within. These beverages are not only refreshing but also help reduce internal heat.

• Light Meals: Opt for steamed, boiled, or lightly stir-fried dishes instead of heavy, greasy foods. Soups like cucumber and tofu soup or mung bean soup are both nutritious and cooling.

• Avoid Overeating: In summer, digestion tends to be weaker. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can prevent discomfort and bloating.

By incorporating these practices and the "Four Treasures of Futian" into your routine, you can embrace the season’s challenges with ease and vitality. Summer isn’t just about enduring the heat—it’s about thriving in harmony with nature’s rhythms. So step into your kitchen, embrace these simple, nourishing dishes, and let the wisdom of seasonal eating guide you to a healthier, happier summer.