China's 24 solar terms: Start of Summer (2)

Food and drinks:

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Taste fresh food on the Start of Summer:

In the southern part of the Yangtze River, it is said that three kinds of fresh food are to be eaten. Traditionally, these are cherry, plum and Reeves’ shad. There are other variations of this rule: bamboo shoots, cherry and plum; cherry, plum and wheat berry; and bamboo shoot, cherry and broad beans. The gist of the different categories is that people should enjoy fresh food during this solar term.

In Jiangxi, people drink tea during the Start of Summer. Green tea is one of their favorites because it dispels heat. Tea collected from seven families is to be cooked to avoid drowsiness in the increasingly hot weather.

Start of Summer Rice:

It is popular in Guangxi to cook five different beans with rice. The beans are red, yellow, black and green while the rice is white. Thus, Start of Summer rice is also called Five-Colored Rice.

During the Start of Summer, it is essential to maintain a light diet. Vegetables and fruits are good choices while spicy and salty food should be avoided. People should remain calm and enjoy a variety of activities like painting, fishing and playing chess.