Ancient Recipe for Beating the Summer Heat: The Health\-Promoting Wisdom of Tangerine Peel, Lotus Seed, and Mung Bean Soup

Ancient Recipe for Beating the Summer Heat: The Health-Promoting Wisdom of Tangerine Peel, Lotus Seed, and Mung Bean Soup

In the height of summer, the sweltering heat is unbearable. A bowl of tangerine peel, lotus seed, and mung bean soup, infused with traditional wisdom, not only quenches thirst but also soothes the body and mind. This time-honored Cantonese dessert, with its unique recipe and remarkable health benefits, has become an indispensable healthy drink during the scorching summer heat.

Selected Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

- 200g High-quality mung beans (plump, bright green)

- 100g Fresh lotus seeds (or 50g dried lotus seeds)

- 1 clove Xinhui dried tangerine peel (3-5 years old is preferred)

- 80g Yellow rock sugar (adjust to taste)

- 2 slices Ginger (to dispel cold and neutralize)

- 2000ml Water

1. Ingredient Pre-Preparation Tips

Rinse and soak the mung beans for 2 hours. Drain, place in a freezer bag, and freeze overnight. This step breaks down the mung bean's cell structure, making it easier to cook. Carefully remove the core of fresh lotus seeds to avoid bitterness. If using dried lotus seeds, soak them in warm water for 1 hour beforehand.

2. Tangerine Peel Processing Techniques

Soak the tangerine peel in warm water for 10 minutes. Gently scrape off the white part of the sac with a knife. This preserves the peel's aroma without making it too bitter. Wash and fluff the ginger to facilitate the release of gingerols.

3. Simmering Method

Pour water into a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. First, add the processed mung beans and tangerine peel. Once boiling again, add the lotus seeds and ginger slices. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes. During this time, skim off any floating mung bean shells to make the broth clearer. Finally, add rock sugar and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes until the mung beans are tender and the lotus seeds are soft.

Health Benefits Analysis

Professional Recipe

1. Heat-Clearing and Summer-Relief Trio:

- Mung beans clear heat and detoxify, reducing internal heat and relieving summer heat

- Lotus seeds soothe the mind and relieve restlessness, calm the nerves and promote sleep

- Tangerine peel regulates qi and strengthens the spleen, dissolving dampness

2. Nutritional Synergy:

- Mung beans are rich in B vitamins and minerals

- Lotus seeds are rich in protein and alkaloids

- Tangerine peel's volatile oil promotes digestion and absorption

3. Constitutional Conditioning Benefits:

- More gentle and balanced than mung bean soup alone

- Especially suitable for those with a "cold-heat" constitution in air-conditioned rooms

- Prevents common summer gastrointestinal discomfort

Serving Suggestions and Innovations

Best Way to Serve:

The flavor is best when refrigerated, but not over-chilled.

It is recommended to consume between 3 and 4 pm for a boost of energy.

Consume 2-3 times a week for significant results

Creative Variations:

Add a little lily bulb for enhanced lung-moistening benefits

Add kelp for increased mineral content

Replacing part of the water with coconut milk creates a Nanyang-style flavor.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reboil before reserving.

Freezing is not recommended.

The most remarkable thing about this dessert is its rich, layered taste. Upon first sip, the rich aroma of dried tangerine peel bursts forth, followed by the refreshing flavor of mung beans, and the lingering sweetness of lotus seeds. The addition of ginger not only counteracts the coldness but also adds a warm, spicy touch to the overall flavor, preventing the dessert from being overly sweet.

This dessert is particularly suitable for modern urban dwellers seeking summer well-being. Office workers can prepare a pot in advance, portion it, and refrigerate it for a week-long healthy drink. Compared to commercially available sugary drinks, this homemade dried tangerine peel, lotus seed, and mung bean soup is not only healthier but also truly relieves summer heat and internal heat. For elderly and children, reduce the amount of dried tangerine peel and ginger for a milder taste.

In this era of health-conscious living, let us rediscover the wisdom of traditional dietary therapy. A bowl of tangerine peel, lotus seeds, and mung bean soup is both a refreshing and thirst-quenching dessert and a nourishing remedy. From ingredient selection to cooking, every step is imbued with health-preserving wisdom, ensuring a refreshing and comfortable summer.