Editor's note

The ancient Chinese created an agricultural solar system - still in use today - that is based upon their observation of crops, climate, astrology, and the study of animal and plant life cycles. The system guided farmers as to when to sow seeds and when to harvest them, and this system has now been in place for more than 2,000 years.

Today, with advances in science and technology, agriculture depends less on this ancient wisdom. But this seasonal calendar still operates as a reference guide for gourmands to seek out the best times for seasonal delicacies and for health experts to plan nutritious diets.

In a single year, the system features 24 "solar terms," each lasting one day and occurring every two weeks. Each has its own name and characteristics. The Global Times is presenting a weekly series examining which foods and delicacies are best enjoyed during these periods, as well as tips on preserving general health.

The wintry season is now entering December, and in the traditional Chinese calendar, it coincides with the solar term daxue, which means "heavy snow." And this year, the solar period lasts from December 7 to 21.

Daxue heralds the beginning of falling temperatures, especially in the north of China. And during this time, the human body is in greater need of calories to resist the cold and to nourish the internal organs. The Global Times has found two soup recipes that can contribute to an ideal diet during daxue.

Pork liver Chinese cabbage soup

In winter, a lack of moisture is one of the biggest challenges for staying healthy which means that plenty of replenishing water is vital. Chinese cabbage is renowned for its of surplus of vitamins C and E, as well as its rich content of fiber. Chinese cabbage on its own is nothing special, although it is honored as the "king of vegetables." But its high nutritional value makes it a popular ingredient to match with a variety of other foods in dishes such as pork liver Chinese cabbage soup.

Ingredients: 200 grams pork liver, 200 grams Chinese cabbage, 20 grams starch, salt, cooking wine, ginger and scallion juice, oil of groundnuts

Method:

Wash the Chinese cabbage and cut into small pieces

Wash the pork liver and squeeze out the remnants of blood; slice into thin pieces

Mix water to the starch. Add salt, ginger and scallion juice and cooking wine to the watered starch, and into the pork liver

Heat the oil of groundnuts and then quickly fry the Chinese cabbage leaves in the oil with some seasonings such as salt

Add enough water into the pot to boil the contents and then add in the processed pork liver

Boil for another 20 minutes and serve

White turnip soup

White turnip is a popular food during winter, as is mutton. And when the two are combined together it is said to be a great tonic for the immune system.

Ingredients: 500 grams mutton, 300 grams white turnip, ginger, coriander, salt, pepper and vinegar

Method:

Clean the mutton and cut into cube-shaped pieces

Clean the white turnip, peel, and slice into small pieces

Put the mutton, ginger and salt into a pot, cover them with water, and boil

After the ingredients are fully cooked, turn down the heat and simmer for an hour

Add seasonings including coriander, salts, pepper and vinegar before serving