The Dog Days Are Coming: These 4 "Heat-Clearing Dishes" Are Perfect for Scorching Days—Detox, Cool Down, and Beat the Humidity

As the Minor Heat passes, the sweltering air rises, turning the world into a colossal steamer. The oppressive mix of heat and humidity doesn’t just drench us in sweat—it also fuels internal "fire," bringing canker sores, irritability, lethargy, and loss of appetite. The dampness and heat weigh heavily on the spleen, leaving us feeling sluggish and unwell.

The key to summer eating lies in two words: clearing and resolving. Clear the trapped heat from your body, and resolve the discomfort of summer dampness. Here are four seasonal "heat-clearing dishes" that are simple to prepare, refreshing in flavor, and perfect for helping you stay cool and comfortable through the hottest days.

1. Steamed Chrysanthemum Greens: A Field-Fresh Remedy for Internal Heat

How to make it:

Wash fresh chrysanthemum greens and drain well. Lightly coat them with a thin layer of flour (or cornmeal). Steam over boiling water for 3–5 minutes until the leaves turn bright and tender. Gently fluff them up, then drizzle with a savory sauce (minced garlic, light soy sauce, vinegar, and a few drops of sesame oil). The taste is mildly bitter with a sweet aftertaste, and the texture is soft yet slightly chewy.

Why it works:

Chrysanthemum greens are naturally cooling, making them an ideal summer remedy. Steaming preserves their heat-clearing, vision-brightening, and detoxifying properties without making them too harsh on the stomach. The light flour coating gives them a unique texture, like a refreshing dew from the fields that soothes summer agitation.

2. Cold Tossed Bitter Melon: Bitterness Leads to Sweet Coolness

How to make it:

Cut the bitter melon in half, remove the seeds, and slice thinly at an angle. Bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt and oil, blanch the slices for about 1 minute until vibrant green, then plunge into ice water to retain crispness. Drain, then mix with minced garlic, salt, light soy sauce, vinegar, a touch of sugar (to balance bitterness), and sesame oil. Add chili rings if you like it spicy, then let it marinate briefly for deeper flavor.

Why it works:

"Good medicine tastes bitter"—and bitter melon is the perfect example. It excels at clearing heat, calming irritability, and quenching thirst. The cold-tossed method preserves its vitamins while blanching removes some of the bitterness. The result is a refreshing dish that feels like a cool breeze sweeping through a stuffy room—revitalizing and perfect for those managing blood sugar levels.

3. Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves: A Green Remedy for Summer Dampness

How to make it:

Pick tender sweet potato leaves and stems, wash thoroughly. Heat oil in a wok, sauté minced garlic (or fermented black beans) until fragrant. Add the leaves and stir-fry quickly over high heat until wilted. Splash in a little cooking wine (optional), season with salt, and serve immediately—keeping the vibrant color and crisp texture.

Why it works:

Sweet potato leaves, known as the "queen of greens," are packed with chlorophyll and fiber, making them a natural detoxifier. Quick stir-frying preserves their earthy freshness, while their crisp texture helps revive a sluggish appetite. Since they grow with minimal pests, they’re a reliable, clean green for beating summer dampness.

4. Winter Melon, Kelp, and Pork Trotter Soup: A Light Yet Nourishing Summer Elixir

How to make it:

Blanch pork trotter chunks, then rinse. Cut winter melon into large pieces (keep the skin on for extra benefits). Soak and clean kelp knots. In a pot, add enough water, pork trotters, two slices of ginger, and a scallion knot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 hour until the meat is tender. Add winter melon and kelp, simmer for another 20–30 minutes until the melon turns translucent. Season with salt, white pepper, and garnish with scallions.

Why it works:

This soup is the ultimate summer tonic—gentle yet effective. Winter melon (with skin) enhances its diuretic and swelling-reducing effects, while kelp helps flush out dampness and toxins. A small amount of pork trotter adds collagen and amino acids, making the broth rich but not heavy. One bowl replenishes lost fluids and electrolytes, dissolving summer heat and leaving you feeling light and refreshed.

Final Thoughts

The dog days may be long, but instead of suffering through them, let your kitchen become a haven of cooling flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a balanced, refreshing retreat from the heat. Eat wisely, and internal fire will subside; harmonize your digestion, and dampness won’t stand a chance. May these four dishes bring you a breeze of relief, carrying you through the blazing days all the way to the crisp, refreshing threshold of autumn.

(Note: The original text was expanded to meet the word count while preserving its essence and adding natural flow for English readers.)