July 7th marks Minor Heat, the fifth summer phase.

Warmer temperatures prevail across many regions during this period, though peak heat typically arrives later. The following weeks often bring higher humidity.

Seasonal traditions focus on culinary adjustments to complement the weather.

Culinary Considerations Around Minor Heat:

Summer Tranquility Focus:

Summer's intensity is noted in various wellness traditions. Culinary choices often include specific flavors associated with the season.

Ingredient Selection: Dishes may feature items like bitter melon, lotus seeds, and Ganoderma lucidum. The bitter taste profile is sometimes linked to summer in traditional food practices.

Ganoderma Use: Ganoderma lucidum is a culinary mushroom used in various preparations. Dishes like Ganoderma with Lotus Seeds or Ganoderma with Chrysanthemum are part of summer cuisine.

Light & Hydrating Ingredients:

The seasonal climate influences food preferences towards lighter fare.

Ingredient Selection: Common choices include coix seed (Job's tears), adzuki beans, soybeans, mung beans, and lotus root. These are valued for their culinary properties in warm weather meals.

Seasonal Culinary Adaptation:

Weather patterns shift during this time, influencing traditional kitchen practices. Ganoderma lucidum is included in some seasonal recipes as a food ingredient.

Minor Heat Recipes Featuring Ganoderma:

Ganoderma, White Fungus & Lotus Seed Preparation

Ingredients: 20g organic Ganoderma lucidum slices, 20g lotus seeds, 20g lily bulbs, 100g rice.

Method: Combine all rinsed ingredients with ginger slices and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently until ingredients soften into a thick consistency.

Ganoderma, Coix Seed, Winter Melon & Sparerib Preparation

Ingredients: 20g organic Ganoderma lucidum slices, 30g coix seed (Job's tears), 300g winter melon, 250g pork spareribs, 3 slices ginger.

Method: Briefly cook spareribs in boiling water. Cut winter melon. Place spareribs, coix seed, ginger, and Ganoderma in a pot with water. Simmer for 1 hour. Add winter melon and simmer further. Season.

Ganoderma & Mint Infusion

Ingredients: 10g organic Ganoderma lucidum slices, 10 fresh mint leaves, honey.

Method: Prepare a liquid using Ganoderma slices with hot water (simmered or steeped). Allow to cool. Combine with honey and mint leaves. Stir.

As warm winds signal Minor Heat's arrival, preparing a cup featuring Ganoderma aligns with seasonal culinary customs. May you find moments of quiet reflection during the warmer days.