Introduction: As the ancient saying goes, "Heaven and man correspond," and in terms of diet, one must also pay attention to the "seasons." Therefore, in spring, as yin recedes and yang grows, and cold gives way to heat, one should "eat according to the weather." Late Spring. The temperature is rising day by day, and the body's functions are also becoming more active. However, one should be more vigilant at this time, as bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms also begin to become active. A light diet should be the main focus. Below are ten foods recommended for late spring. Seize the good "food" opportunity of late spring and enjoy them.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce, also known as Youmai Cai or bitter lettuce, is a plant of the Asteraceae family and the Lactuca genus. It is a pointed-leaf lettuce whose product is the tender tip and young leaves. The leaves are long and lanceolate, light green in color, and crisp and tender in texture. The taste is extremely tender, fresh, and has a unique flavor. It contains large amounts of vitamins A, B1, B2, and plenty of calcium, iron, and other nutrients. It is a top-grade raw-eating vegetable, known as "Phoenix Tail." Lettuce is rich in calcium, iron, protein, fat, vitamins, and other nutrients. It has the benefits of lowering cholesterol, clearing dryness and moistening the lungs, and resolving phlegm and stopping coughs. It is a low-calorie, high-nutrient vegetable. Eating some lettuce at the end of spring is effective for quenching thirst and moistening dryness.
Stir-fried Lettuce
2. Red Dates
As the ancient saying goes, "In spring, it is advisable to reduce sour and increase sweet to nourish the spleen." This means that in spring, one should eat less sour food and more sweet food. Experts believe that spring is when liver qi is flourishing. Eating too much sour food can cause excessive liver qi, which can damage the spleen and stomach. Therefore, sour food should be eaten in moderation. People engage in more outdoor activities in spring than in winter, consuming more physical energy and requiring more calories. However, the spleen and stomach are relatively weak at this time, and the digestive ability of the gastrointestinal tract is poor, making it unsuitable to eat too much greasy meat. Therefore, calories can be appropriately supplied by sweets. Red dates are just such an excellent food for nourishing the spleen in spring.
Red Bean Paste Qingtuan (Sweet Rice Balls with Red Bean Paste)
3. Toon
Toon, known as the "vegetable on the tree," is the tender bud of the toon tree and a seasonal delicacy. It is not only rich in nutrients but also has high medicinal value. It contains volatile aromatic organic compounds such as toonol, which can strengthen the spleen, whet the appetite, and increase appetite. The volatile smell of toon can penetrate the skin of roundworms, preventing them from attaching to the intestinal wall and being expelled from the body, so it can be used to treat ascariasis. Toon is rich in vitamin C, carotene, etc., which helps to enhance the body's immune function and has the effect of lubricating the skin. It is a good health and beauty food. Toon leaves are thick, the buds are tender, with green leaves and red edges, like agate and jade. It has a rich aroma, and its nutritional value is far higher than other vegetables, making it a precious delicacy for banquets.
Toon Buds with Dried Tofu
4. Chives
The spring weather is inconsistent in temperature and cold, so it is necessary to nourish the yang energy, and chives are most suitable for the body's yang. "Compendium of Materia Medica" once recorded: "Eating too much chives can lead to mental confusion and blurred vision, and it is especially forbidden after drinking." Modern medicine believes that chives contain volatile oils, proteins, fats, and various vitamins and other nutrients, and have the effects of strengthening the stomach, refreshing the mind, and strengthening the kidneys. However, it should be noted that people with excessive yang and heat-related symptoms should not eat them. Moreover, chives contain a lot of coarse fiber, which is not easy to digest and absorb, so one cannot eat too many chives at once, otherwise a large amount of coarse fiber will irritate the intestinal wall and often cause diarrhea. It is best to control it at 100 to 200 grams per meal, not exceeding 400 grams.
Chives with Dried Tofu
5. Spring Bamboo Shoots
Spring bamboo shoots have a light, fresh, and tender taste and are rich in nutrients. They contain sufficient moisture, abundant plant protein, and essential nutrients and trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Especially, the fiber content is very high, and regular consumption can help with digestion and prevent constipation. Therefore, spring bamboo shoots are a nutritious delicacy that is high in protein, low in fat, low in starch, and rich in coarse fiber.
Moreover, as the "number one vegetarian food," spring bamboo shoots have been loved by people since ancient times. Literati and gourmets have praised them endlessly, and there is a saying that "no one who has tasted the fresh does not praise spring bamboo shoots." The body of the spring bamboo shoot is thick and delicious, crisp and tasty, nutritious, and can be cooked with or without meat. Different cooking methods produce different flavors, and stir-frying, stewing, boiling, and braising all result in delicious dishes.
Bacon and Bamboo Shoot Soup