With Shanghai sweltering under the hottest summer in history, many residents are turning to tried-and-true traditional foods and remedies to keep cool, even in the era of air conditioning. We explore some of the ways to relieve the energy-sapping effects
With Shanghai sweltering under the hottest summer in history, many residents are turning to tried-and-true traditional foods and remedies to keep cool, even in the era of air conditioning. We explore some of the ways to relieve the energy-sapping effects of heat and humidity.
Favourite Dou
Mung Bean Soup
Photo: Kat juju
Mung bean soup is made from the dried beans by boiling them in water until they soften. Cooked mung beans turn yellow and crack slightly. They are served plain or with some rock sugar.
This soup is said to clear heat and toxicity from the body. Some believe it can also eliminate anxiety when served chilled. Mung bean with kelp is actually a classic tang shui (sweet soup) dish in Cantonese cuisine. It’s flavored with dried orange peel and rock suga.
Chilled Watermelon
Chilled watermelon is always a popular summer treat. Eating crisp, juicy melon is not only refreshing but it also helps keep the body hydrated. Since it does contain high levels of fructose, it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Simple Cold Dishes
1. Cold Noodles (冷面）
Photo: Recipes Hubs
Photo: Recipes HubsCold noodles come in many variations across China. In Shanghai, the dish is traditionally served with creamy peanut sauce, chicken or tender pork loin, shredded cucumber, shredded egg sheet and green pepper.
The noodles used in the Shanghai style are steamed before being scalded in boiling water. That enhances their elasticity. Salt and cooking oil can be added into the boiling water to keep the noodles from gumming together. The noodles are tossed with some sesame seed oil and left to cool.
2. Erguang Wonton (耳光馄饨)
Photo: Internet
Photo: InternetShanghai-style erguang wontons traditionally served in soup are boiled and then chilled in iced water before a fragrant dressing of peanut sauce, vinegar and chili oil is added.
3. Baizhanji (白斩鸡)
Photo: SmartShanghai
Shanghai-style baizhanji , or sliced cold chicken, is slightly different from the white-sliced chicken in Cantonese cuisine. The Shanghai variation uses sanhuang chickens from Pudong, which are cooked without the marinating or curing processes.
Remove the chicken from the heat and put it into chilled water to tighten the skin and lock in the juices. Then, with a sharp knife and steady cutting board, chop the chicken into smaller pieces and serve with a dipping sauce.
Summer Remedies
1. Louts Leaf
According to traditional Chinese medicine, clears the body of the effects of heat and humidity. The fresh leaves can be boiled in water to make a tea or steamed with a rice filling. Dried lotus leaves are also sold in traditional pharmacies.
2. Bitter Melon
Photo: Internet
Bitter melon is a summer vegetable one either loves or hates. The long melon with the bumpy surface and distinctly bitter taste is rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
There are many ways to cook the melon to reduce the bitterness, including scalding in hot water or tossing in a sweet and sour dressing as a cold starter.
3. Green Tea
Photo: Internet
Green tea is the preferable beverage for summertime because it is refreshing and said to energize the body.
1. Fengyoujin (风油精)
Photo: Internet
Fengyoujing is commonly used to treat insect bites and stings, and headaches and dizziness caused by too much exposure to heat. Its ingredients include menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor, eucalyptus oil and eugenol. The Chinese people often rub some fengyoujing under their nose and on their temples.
2. Qingliangyou (清凉油)
Photo: Internet
Qingliangyou, on the other hand, is a cooling balm containing similar ingredients. The menthol-based balm can be rubbed on the temples to relieve fatigue and refresh the mind.
The difference between fengyoujing and qingliangyou is that the former is a liquid with spiky odor and the latter is a balm with a gentler, minty aroma. It’s important to keep both of them away from the eyes.
3. Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid
(藿香正气水)
Photo: Internet
Huoxiang zhengqi is a classic Chinese medicine used by many Chinese households to cope with stomach flu, summer colds and heatstroke. It comes in liquid or tablet form.
