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Dryness-fighting dishes to whet your appetite
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FLAKY skin and chapped lips are common autumn discomforts. In addition to applying moisture cream, Hangzhou locals turn to traditional Chinese medicine therapy to keep their skin and lips moist when the humidity drops.
TCM suggests substituting deep-fried, grilled and pungent foods with more moistening fare. Popular ingredients include lotus root, white fungus, lotus seed, celery and almond, which can help ease autumn dryness and replenish moisture.
Seasonal fruits are also highly recommended to reduce autumn dryness. According to TCM theories, people accumulate yang (hot) energy inside their bodies which can cause skin and throat dryness, cough and fever. However, fruit is a natural yin (cold) food that can help ease the heat and balance body energy.
Pears are often used to reduce autumn dryness. In old times, when children had a cough they were given stewed pear and rock sugar soup, which is believed to help “moisten” the lungs — plus it tastes much better than medicine.
In addition to the candied pear, Shanghai Daily introduces some recipes that Hangzhou natives have used for countless years to prevent autumn dryness.
As a water city, Hangzhou is a great place to appreciate lotus flowers and their seeds — fresh or dried. In TCM, dried lotus seeds are sources of yin energy and are used to promote production of fluids, nourish the blood, improve the appetite and treat yin deficiency.
Sometimes, white fungus is eaten with lotus seeds to reinforce yin energy in dry weather. The fungus has also long been considered a beauty aid in China due to its skin-nourishing properties. Modern research has found it is rich in anti-oxidants, dilates coronary arteries and reduces blood fat and viscosity. In TCM therapy, it is believed to ease internal heat, reduce blood pressure and replenish moisture, especially in the lungs.
The combination of the two creates a great sweet autumn soup and is popular with many local households as it is easy to make.
First, soak dried white fungus in water for several hours until soft. Second, add the fungus, lotus seeds and some glutinous rice. Make sure there is enough water to cover all ingredients. Add sugar and simmer until the soup thickens.
Where to eat:
Wenzhoudao Restaurant
Address: 13 Qingzhiwu
Tel: 1816-7105-576
Gewu Luhui Restaurant
Address: 13 Manjuelong
Tel: (0571) 8607-9360
Almond is another popular food ingredient that is used to quench autumn dryness. According to TCM therapy, it can relieve coughing, nourish the lungs, eliminate fat from the blood and signs of aging.
The traditional way to make almond jelly is soaking the nuts in water and then grounding them up to extract the resulting “milk.” The liquid will turn to jelly when chilled. In Chinese, the dessert is called “almond tofu” due to its texture.
Usually, osmanthus-flavored honey is added for a sweeter taste. Sometimes it is served with additional toppings like candied red beans.
Where to eat:
Zui Bai Lou
Address: 69 Longjing Rd
Tel: (0571) 8788-8887
Luxiaoman Restaurant
Address: 798-800 Shixin Rd N.
Green beans are packed with protein, carbohydrates and minerals while lily is both a culinary delicacy and a traditional tonic ingredient. In TCM, they are considered yin foods that can remove excessive hot energy inside the body.
Autumn is harvest time for lotus root, which can eliminate inner toxins, replenish moisture and nourish the lungs. If served raw, it has a crunchy and refreshing texture. After cooking, it can become crispy, soft, starchy or glutinous, depending on the variety and how it’s cooked.
When the three ingredients are fried together, they help nourish yin energy, replenish fluids and minimize internal heat.
The cooking process is simple. First, slice the lotus root and place the pieces in water to avoid blackening through oxidation. Next, boil the sliced lotus root. Third, plunge the boiled slices into icy water to get them crisp. Finally, stir fry the green beans and lily with oil and salt. After a while, add the lotus root and continue frying for a few more seconds.
Where to eat:
Shanwaishan Restaurant
Address: 8 Yuquan Rd
Tel: (0571) 8798-6621
New Yuyuan Restaurant
Address: 1 Siyanjing
Tel: (0571) 8715-3033
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