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.  

Guyu, literally meaning "grain rain," is the sixth solar term of the year and last solar term of spring, and this year it begins on April 20. It is commonly said that guyu indicates the end of any cold snaps and the gradual warming of temperatures.

Guyu is perhaps the most "picturesque" term of the Chinese solar year, in that its written Chinese characters combine both agricultural and climatic elements in its name. Chinese people love to say yu sheng bai gu, which means that ample and timely rains will ensure the healthy growth of different grains.

Ripe to enjoy

During guyu - along with the first song of cuckoos - willows and poplars begin to flower, peonies start to blossom, and cherries shine and ripen and are ready to eat. And it has also become routine for farmers to sow cotton seeds when guyu starts.

People around China celebrate the first day of guyu in different ways. In Rongcheng, a seaside city of Shandong Province, fishermen make a sacrifice to the goddess of the sea before they go fishing. Meanwhile, people in Baishui, Shaanxi Province, pay tribute to Cang Jie, a mythological figure who is said to have created Chinese characters.

And as the temperatures continue to steadily climb, a number of seasonal delicacies also come into their prime and are ready to be enjoyed, among them bamboo shoots, Chinese toon sprouts, and vegetables such as crown daisies and the Indian Aster herb.

Cherries are rich in carbohydrates, and also contain protein, calcium, phosphorous and iron, all of which are recommended for people with anemia, and for those suffer from osteoporosis. Cherry juice can also be applied externally as a toner which is said to help smooth out wrinkles.

Popular snacks

Bamboo shoots in spring are known to contain ample protein and dietary fibers and a little starch and fat, all of which can help reduce phlegm, promote digestion, and facilitate the circulation of the blood. At this time of year, Xiasha town in Pudong New Area is famous for selling shaomai (steamed dumplings with dough at the top) filled with spring bamboo shoots and pork, and this has become a popular snack throughout the city.

Chinese toon sprouts harvested in the spring have also become a favorite culinary ingredient in China. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chinese toon sprouts are said to be helpful in alleviating coughs, lung abscesses and alopecia. The Global Times has found some easy-to-prepare recipes that will allow readers to enjoy these delicacies at home.

Spare rib soup with bamboo shoots

Ingredients: 350 grams bamboo shoots, 400 grams pork spare ribs, 60 grams preserved pork, 10 grams ginger, 5 grams green onion

Method:

Peel the bamboo shoots and cut them into pieces, boil for five minutes, remove and place into fresh water

Slice the ginger, and cut the green onion into one-inch pieces

Chop the spare ribs into one-inch pieces, boil for two minutes, and put into fresh water

Slice the preserved pork

Add the spare ribs and fresh water into a pot, boil, and add the bamboo shoots. Simmer for 90 minutes

Add the preserved pork and ginger slices and boil for another 20 minutes

Add salt and green onion, and serve

Tofu seasoned with Chinese toon sprouts

Ingredients: 200 grams tofu, 50 grams Chinese toon sprouts, 5 grams sesame oil, 2 grams salt, 1 gram MSG

Method:

Dip the tofu in boiling water, take it out and dice into small pieces

Wash the Chinese toon sprouts thoroughly, dip into boiling water, remove, and then mince the sprouts

Put the tofu and the Chinese toon sprouts together into a bowl with the tofu beneath the sprouts, add sesame oil, salt and MSG, mix well and serve