Dàshǔ, also known as “Major Heat,” is one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar and represents the hottest days in the year. It arrives on July 23 in the year of 2023. During this time, people experience high temperatures and intense humidity, making it a challenging season for farmers and workers.

It’s a season with the highest temperature, where the crops grow fastest and the most frequent time for drought. After this day, firefly comes out, soil gets more and more humid and heavy thunderstorm comes from time to time. The days around the “Major Heat” witness the blossom season of jasmines and lotuses.

Different regions have different customs for the Major Heat. In Fujian province, people eat lychee and lamb to spend “Major Heat”. In middle and north of Hunan province, people eat young chicken. They believe that eating warming food can drive away the dampness.

People should eat more seasonal vegetables including towel gourd, broccoli and eggplant. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you should eat pumpkin, which is full of vitamins, protein and amino acid.

(By Yang Jiming/Qi Qian)