[Photo/IC]

Minor Heat, the 11th solar term in the traditional Chinese Lunar calendar, begins on Wednesday. As the weather begins to heat up, do you know what traditional foods are eaten during Minor Heat?

1. Lotus root

There is a popular saying in China – Minor heat comes with delicious lotus roots. This ideal summer ingredient can invigorate the spleen and improve one's appetite. It was once a royal tribute in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

2. Mutton

The custom of eating mutton can be traced back to Yao and Shun times of the Neolithic Period. There is a folk saying that to eat a bowl of mutton soup is better than a physician's prescription. In Northern China, lamb can be made into a delicious broth and served with noodles.

3. Eel

As the saying goes, "Minor Heat eel, as nutritious as ginseng". High in protein and minerals like iron, freshly cooked eels also can reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Eating eel during Minor Heat can prevent indigestion in summer and protect the cardiovascular system.

4. Dumpling

Summer heat makes people dizzy and tired. Dumplings with vegetarian stuffing can be a very appetizing food.

5. Mung bean congee

People perspire more in summer, so a bowl of chilled mung bean congee can be very refreshing. You can also add ingredients like mint, pumpkin, and coix seed, for a delicious twist.

6. Mung bean sprouts

Eating mung bean sprouts has the effect of maintaining beauty and losing weight, because the dietary fiber in mung bean sprouts can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and quicken the intestinal detoxification process.

7. Melon

In hot weather, people should eat more vegetables and juicy fruits to relieve the heat, and crisp, luscious melons are an indispensable summer delicacy.