TaoBrowser: What Different Provinces Drink Or Eat For Summer
Whew, lixia has already come and gone and temperatures in the capital climbed over 30 degrees Celsius this week, meaning it's about damn time we start stocking up on those refreshing summer drinks and snacks. Given that much of its land succumbs to monsoon-induced climates, summers in China have never been easy, so it's no wonder the ancient Chinese found a panacea for the unbearable summer heat – before the air conditioner was invented, of course – in local fruits and vegetables. Luckily, we no longer have to go foraging for ingredients to make a cooling summertime elixir. Instead, we merely have to go on an adventure in the vast forest that is Taobao to find all manner of bizarre drinks and snacks for a Chinese summer. (The brands mentioned in the following list were recommended by the netizens)
Zhejiang 寿全斋 绿豆百合汤 Green bean lily bulb soup
When you talk about traditional summer drinks, green bean soup ranks top of the list. Despite the fact that my mom made it innumerable times every summer throughout my youth, I still can’t get enough of it. The clear, invigorating liquid is less starchy than many other traditional porridges, which come in handy when an unbearable heat all but kills your appetite. Pro tip: Adding dried lily bulbs elevates this humble dish, and keeps you hydrated on the hottest of days.
Fujian 大世界 橄榄汁 White olive juice
Fujian 仙草冻 Grass jelly
People in Southern China are masters of surviving the heat, and the crafty residents of Fujian have come up with some truly creative ways to use local ingredients for summertime treats.
As we introduced before, Fujian is home to the Chinese white olive, a sweeter variety of their Mediterranean cousin. As such, instead of pressing these olives for oil, Fujian residents prefer to squeeze them for juice. The milky drink not only helps folks stay cool but is also known to cure the worst of hangovers, and can even be an antidote for pufferfish poison.
As for the grass jelly, anyone who's a fan of milk tea will probably be familiar with it as well. This translucent dark jelly is made from a local plant and sweet potato starch and has a subtle herbal flavor, making it a favored ingredient for summer sweets in southeast China. Simply pour some milk or coconut milk on the grass jelly then top it with fruits and nuts... It's a treat that allows for ample creativity and customization.
Jiangsu 荷润 莲藕汁 Lotus root juice
If you still don't know how to cook this treasure hidden under the lake, there's one particularly easy way to get started: Simply dice it up, put it in a blender, and enjoy either raw or boiled. This mild starchy drink is good for people who have sensitive stomachs or oral inflammation and is believed to reduce summer dysphoria caused by heat and dryness. In fact, lotus roots have appeared on Jiangsu menus for centuries thanks to all the lakes scattered across the province, making the juice an ideal drink for summer days.
Guangdong 杨航 潮州老药桔 Pickled kumquat
Besides the classic 王老吉 Wong Lo Kat herbal tea, native Cantonese folks have many tricks unknown to the rest of China. This pickled kumquat is one of them, as a delegate of the Cantonese specialty, 凉果 cooling fruit. The pickled kumquat is made with boiled kumquat, salt, sugar, Chinese licorice, and assorted herbs. To eat the pickled kumquat, simply smash it and mix with water, your mouth will be filled with fragrance and coolness, and it will help your digestion and other stomach symptoms. Pro tip: The longer it's preserved, the richer its flavor becomes.
In neighboring Guangxi, folks went a step further in the adventure that is traditional regimens and opted to use their much-revered bamboo liquid. Case in point: “A gentlemen would rather forsake the meat in his meals but can’t give up the bamboo at his home” is a famous adage cited by the renowned poet Su Shi, but even he couldn’t have imagined that people living in Guangxi would discover more potential in bamboo than mere home decor. Bamboo liquid can be found documented in 本草纲目 Compendium of Matearia Medica, and it is believed to be a natural antibiotic rich in various minerals that allegedly slow down aging. I mean, if a panda drinks it, it should be a good thing, right?
Hainan 海风堂 老盐柠檬金桔粉 Sea salt kumquat and lemon juice powder
If you can't indulge in a long-overdue beach vacation this year, the least you can do is whip up a glass of sea salt kumquat and lemon juice to quench your thirst. The sea salt used in this drink is a specialty in Hainan province and is still produced by traditional procedures, not to mention aged for decades. A simple sip is enough to transport you to the seashore, bolstered by the aromas of kumquat and lemon which evoke a tropical beach.
Hubei 绿色天空 大别山金银花露 Honeysuckle dew
You may be surprised to find out that Guangzhou and Hainan aren't the hottest areas in China, but rather a few of the cities in Hubei Province, such as Wuhan. As one of the steamier provinces in the summertime, locals prefer to drink honeysuckle dew to combat the worst of the dog days. According to traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle blossoms are frequently used to treat throat inflammation and heatstroke, and they can also help clean out cholesterol in the body.
Gansu 松鸣岩 啤特果汁 Pite juice
Gansu 杏皮茶 Dried apricot tea
While summer in the south can be brutal, summers in northwest China can be even more lethal, when the sweat that trickles out of your pores is basically the only moisture in the air. As such, it's important to pack a few of these local beverages when you have to go out.
The pite juice comes from the fruit with the same name. It looks like a common pear, and it has a rather tangy flavor, however, if you leave it on a shelf for about a month, the color will fade to brown and its tangy taste will give way to a delectable sweetness.
The dried apricot is another local specialty. Simply boil it in water with sugar until the liquid gets sticky and then filter the residue out. The result, a delicious amber-colored drink. Pro tip: Dried apricot tastes better frozen, reminiscent of the classic 酸梅汤 syrup of plum that is popular among Beijingers.
Xinjiang 神内 番茄汁/胡萝卜汁 Tomato/ Carrot juice
Xinjiang may contain the largest desert in China, however, it's also home to some of the country's best produce. If you've ever tasted their locally grown tomatoes and carrots, you'll know just how divine they are. Now imagine what a treat it would be, under the merciless summer sun, to squeeze that produce into a few bottles of fresh juice.
Yunnan 恒丰 酸角汁 Tamarind juice
Yunnan 幽幽谷 冷藏酷薄荷水 Mint water
Mint water sounds good enough, but what about throwing a little tamarind into the mix? As one of the most magical provinces in China, Yunnan never ceases to amaze. This tangy fruit is native to the vast lands of Africa, but Yunnan folks have found their own way of getting the most from it. The acidity of the tamarind varies based on the species and the sticky pulp makes it perfect for marinades and dressings. What's more, it's also good for the skin and can protect you from damaging UVB and UVA rays in tropical areas.
Guizhou 天刺力 刺梨果汁 Roxburgh rose juice
The rosa Roxburgh is a plant that calls southwest China home, and its fruit has been consumed by local communities for centuries. The sweet-sour crispy pulp has a strong aroma and it's rich in Vitamin C, among other nutrients. Local residents usually eat it raw, preserve it in liquor, squeeze out the juice, or even serve it as an appetizer. Scholars believe this bizarre-looking fruit had sufficient antioxidants to facilitate the process of lead-draining in the human body.
Dongbei 白桦树汁 Silver birch myron
Last but not least – and possibly the weirdest on this list – we can't forget our Dongbei friends who, despite being far removed from the Tropic of Cancer, still have a place in our anti-heat campaign. First discovered by Russian lumberers, this naturally sweet liquid quickly became a popular drink among native Dongbei communities. Soon after, people discovered that aside from being a tasty drink, it can also help the skin recover from burns and even slow down hair loss.
Read: JM Cafe Serves Up Homey Vibes and Quality Coffee Outside Chez Gérard
Images Courtesy of corresponding manufacturers, Sohu, Taobao, JD, Youzan, 桂小厨美食网
