There are 24 solar terms in the Chinese year as dictated by traditional East Asian calendars.

Mangzhong or "Grain in Ear" the 9th solar term of the year, begins when the sun reaches a celestial longitude of 75 degrees, commencing on June 5 and ending on July 6 in 2016. The solar terms were originally created to guide agricultural production, and continue to have an influence on people’s lives even today.

Mangzhong signifies the beginning of the harvest and sowing for future prosperity. It further indicates the coming arrival of heavy rains, especially in regions south of the Yangtze River which experience an extended monsoon known as the plum rain season.

Mangzhong is also a great chance to change your diet to include more seasonal fruits and vegetables! Here are some tasty Mangzhong morsels to help keep you healthy over the harvest.

Photo:CFP

Photo:CFP

Winter melon soup
Photo:cnys.com

Stir-fried bitter gourd
Photo:cnys.com

Green plums
Photo:cnys.com