"Lesser Heat" has arrived, and the "Dog Days of Summer" (*Fu* days) are just around the corner. With the sweltering, stifling heat of these days, symptoms like lethargy and a lack of appetite are the body's way of signaling distress. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes replenishing *Qi*, strengthening the spleen, and dispelling dampness during this period. A light diet—minimizing fried foods—is recommended to give the digestive system a much-needed rest.

For this solar term, we recommend the following seasonal vegetables and fruits; they are fresh, affordable, and perfect for the season:

Corn

With a neutral nature and sweet taste, corn regulates digestion, stimulates the appetite, promotes diuresis, and reduces swelling—making it a boon for spleen health during Lesser Heat. Rich in dietary fiber and potassium, it helps eliminate excess fluid accumulated in the body, alleviating the heavy, sluggish feeling caused by damp-heat. Its natural properties boost nutrition; even when the summer heat suppresses your appetite, the sight of corn kernels can tempt you to eat a little more.

Vegan Recipes: Stir-fried corn with pine nuts and water chestnuts; Corn and carrot soup; Stir-fried mixed vegetables with corn kernels and garlic.

Winter Melon

Cool in nature and sweet in taste, winter melon clears heat, relieves summer malaise, promotes diuresis, and dispels dampness—an indispensable cooling dish for the summer table. It has an extremely high water content and very low calorie count, providing a feeling of fullness without adding physical burden. Both the skin and seeds of the winter melon can be used in cooking or soups; they are excellent for dispelling dampness and are suitable for everyone, from the elderly to children.

Vegan Recipes: Winter melon, Job's tears, and tofu pot; Braised winter melon with fermented bean curd; Winter melon and glass noodle soup.

Pumpkin

Warm in nature and sweet in taste, pumpkin nourishes the body's center, boosts energy, and strengthens the spleen and stomach. It is ideal for those whose digestive systems have been weakened by consuming too many cold or raw foods after the "Lesser Heat" (Xiaoshu) solar term begins. Rich in beta-carotene—which the body converts into Vitamin A—it helps protect the skin and eyes from summer UV damage. Naturally sweet, pumpkin is flavorful even with minimal seasoning.

Vegan recipes: Steamed Pumpkin with Tofu, Coconut Pumpkin Soup, Stir-fried Pumpkin Slices with Garlic.

Watermelon

Cold in nature and sweet in taste, watermelon clears heat, relieves summer sultriness, and quenches thirst; it is the quintessential fruit for the "Lesser Heat" season. High in water content and electrolytes, it helps replenish what is lost through heavy sweating. It contains lycopene (an antioxidant) and citrulline (which promotes blood circulation). However, due to its cold nature, those with a "cold" constitution (specifically regarding the spleen and stomach) should avoid consuming it in excess.

These three ingredients offer vibrant colors; pair them with a slice of seasonal watermelon to create a refreshing and nourishing vegetarian meal for "Lesser Heat."

Your support matters!

Take action now (join the food-saving movement):

Become a volunteer | https://foodcommons.hk/en/volunteers

Donate food | https://foodcommons.hk/en/donate

Make a donation | https://foodcommons.hk/en/donations (Excluding projects funded by environmental grants)

Corporate partnership | https://foodcommons.hk/en/Corporate-Social-Responsibility

Follow us (stay updated on the front lines of food rescue):

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@foodcommonsfoundation

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/foodcommonshk

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/foodcommonshk

Threads | https://www.threads.net/@foodcommonshk

FB Group (Food saving/waste reduction sharing) | https://www.facebook.com/groups/foodwiser