In spring, eating beans is better than eating meat.

Eating beans is better than eating meat, especially since fresh spring beans are tender, fragrant, and at their peak nutritional quality. Besides being a leader in protein content among vegetables, fresh beans are also rich in various vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a low-fat, high-nutrient ingredient.

Peas are excellent for eye health.

Hao Mengzhong, Executive Director of the Jilin Provincial Health Association: Peas are a seasonal vegetable with round, fresh, and vibrant green pods that are very appealing. But peas are more than just good-looking; they are rich in vitamin A, offering a therapeutic effect for eye care. Additionally, their vitamin C content is much higher than that of dried beans, making them delicious and helpful for boosting immunity.

Office workers who stare at computers all day can enjoy a protective eye-healthy meal by stir-frying peas, carrots, and corn together. It's not only colorful and tasty but also nutritious, effectively relieving dryness and discomfort in the eyes. It's also suitable for children and the elderly as it's nutritious and easy to digest. I also recommend a nutritious and healthy staple: Pea Rice. Add washed peas to the rice when it's almost done, stir, and continue cooking. Once ready, add shredded onion and cooked lean meat, cover, and let it steam for a while longer. This way, the grain protein from the rice, the legume protein from the peas, and the animal protein from the meat complement each other, creating a nutritionally balanced meal perfect for office workers and students.

When buying peas, choose fresh, deep green, and glossy ones. Gently pinch one; a tender one will release water, while an old one will be hard.

Stir-fried Tian Shu Bai He

Stewed Broad Beans are Fragrant and Delicious.

Chen Yanli, Deputy Director of the Nutrition Department at the Navy General Hospital: Broad beans are sweet in nature and neutral, helping to invigorate the spleen and nourish the stomach. They are also rich in zinc, phospholipids, and choline, which are beneficial for brain health, making them especially suitable for people with mentally demanding jobs.

Broad beans should not be eaten raw. They can be stir-fried or used in congee. I prefer to make soup with broad beans and recommend a Broad Bean, Vermicelli, and Egg Soup. Heat oil in a wok, add minced ginger until fragrant, then add washed broad beans and stir-fry until they change color and release their aroma. Add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil. Soaked vermicelli is then added. When the broad beans and vermicelli are thoroughly cooked, pour in the beaten egg. Season with a little salt before serving. I also like to add some white pepper and chopped scallions to enhance the flavor.

When purchasing, choose large, plump beans that are not blackened or infested with pests to ensure they are fresh and tender. Broad beans must be cooked thoroughly at home to prevent food poisoning. Also, don't eat too much at once, as it can easily cause bloating. Be aware that some people are allergic to broad beans, which can lead to favism (an acute hemolytic disease), and these individuals must avoid them.

Braised Broad Beans in Spicy Sauce

Refreshing Snow Pea Salad

Chen Zhikun, Senior Chef and Level II Public Nutritionist: The tender and juicy pods of snow peas are my favorite, and spring snow peas are exceptionally crisp, fresh, and tender.

Unlike peas and broad beans, we primarily eat the pods of snow peas. The B vitamins and vitamin C in the pods are water-soluble and can be easily lost during high-temperature cooking. Therefore, I recommend a snow pea salad. Wash and cut the snow peas into sections, blanch them quickly, and then mix them with red and green sweet peppers and your favorite fruits to make a fruit and vegetable salad. It's colorful, incredibly refreshing, and has the added benefits of reducing internal heat, replenishing fluids, and promoting bright, beautiful skin.

In addition to being rich in vitamins, snow peas are also high in dietary fiber, which can lower cholesterol, promote intestinal peristalsis, and aid in bowel regularity. When buying snow peas, choose pods that are dark and glossy. Gently squeeze the pod to feel if the peas inside are evenly sized. Snow peas are not suitable for long-term storage, so it's best to buy and eat them fresh.

Stir-fried Snow Peas