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The powers of melons packed in summer dishes
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TRADITIONAL Chinese medicine believes that summery melons can help remove inner heat and replenish moisture. Being a seasonal vegetable with a high water content, ample mineral and vitamins, they can also prevent sunstrokes and help detoxify inner hazardous substances. They are also popular because they are low in fat and sugar.
The most common types of melon in Hangzhou include cucumber, wax gourd, sponge gourd, watermelon, pumpkin and bitter melon. Though some of them are technically not categorized as melons, many Chinese people do classify them that way since they all contain the Chinese character “瓜”, which literally means melon.
Sponge gourd is a natural medicine for coughs. Simple sponge gourd soup is an ideal dish for people who just started to learn how to cook — just stir fry them with green soybeans and add some seasonings.
Wax gourd is a summer vegetable popular with dieters due to its low calorie and low sodium content. It is a natural medicine for lung issues as it can help reduce phlegm. Wax gourd stewed with spareribs is a common dish in summer. The plain gourd can help digestion.
To enjoy this melon, boil spareribs with sliced gingers then stew by with chunks of gourd chunks and some seasonings. Sometimes, dried small shrimps can be sprinkled on top to highlight the flavor.
Diners’ attitudes toward bitter melons can be divided into two extremes because of its strong bitter flavor. Nonetheless, TCM believes that it can detoxify the body and nourish the liver.
Bitter melon is often served cold with some sauce, which helps mask bitter flavors. Goji berries should be soaked for hours before blending. Mix honey with sugar and then add some water. At last, stir the bitter melon and goji berries with the sauce. Refrigerate for an hour.
Cucumber can be used to quench thirst on hot days. It’s recommended for people with a sore throat as it is said to ease inner heat.
TCM also believes that cucumber can make hair smoother and many cosmetic products use cucumber to moisten skin.
TCM practitioners also believe that cucumber cannot go with tomato and celery.
In Hangzhou, cucumber is a popular appetizer. Blended with seasonings, it’s served cold crunchy.
Watermelon is popular for its succulent pulp, but the watermelon rinds are also edible and are used for making prickles. In Hangzhou they are often cooked with meat, like stir-fried pork or spareribs.
The peel and red pulp of watermelon must be removed and the pork should be marinated. Some sliced ginger adds a tangy taste.
Pumpkin can boost the immune system. In addition, it is rich in mineral and amino acid, which helps stimulate the metabolism. Stir-fried pumpkin with salted egg yolk is a common dish in local restaurants.
To prepare this dish, steam salted eggs, then scoop out the yolks and mince them. Next, deep-fry pumpkin bars and scoop them up. Third, sautée the minced yolk until it bubbles. Finally, add pumpkin bars and continuously stir until every bar is coated with a layer of yolk.
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