Yummy, Grain in Ear
可以“吃”的芒种
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Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript
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The Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, the 9th solar term, begins on June 6 this year and ends on June 20. The arrival of Grain in Ear signifies the ripening of crops such as barley and wheat. It is also a busy period for farmers.
中国传统历法把一年划分为24个节气。芒种是二十四节气中的第9个节气，今年的芒种始于6月6日，止于6月20日。在此期间，大麦、小麦等农作物已经成熟，正是农忙好时节。
In South China, May and June are the season when plums become ripe. Green plums contain a variety of natural and high-quality organic acids and are rich in minerals. They can help clean blood, lower blood lipids, eliminate tiredness and improve one's looks.
在南方，5、6月是梅子成熟的季节。青梅含有多种天然高品质有机酸，且富含矿物质，具有降低血脂、缓解疲劳、美容养颜等功效。
Do not eat greasy or strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear. Generally, vegetables and coarse grains that work in lowering blood pressure and blood fat should be the first choice. During this season, people are encouraged to consume less lamb, pork, hot peppers, onions and ginger if they are frequently feeling thirsty and tired.
但芒种时节，不建议食用太多油腻、刺激性食物。具有降血压、降血脂功效的蔬菜和粗粮应是首选。经常感到口渴、身体乏力的人，应少吃羊肉、猪肉、辣椒、洋葱和姜。
The weather is hot during the Grain in Ear period, therefore vegetables and fruits of a cool nature are recommended. The balsam pear is a classic choice. It contains a lot of natural and nourishing water. It's also said to have healing properties which are good for patients suffering from high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
芒种时节天气炎热，建议多吃凉性蔬菜和水果。苦瓜含有大量水份，而且具有降血压、降血糖等功效，是上乘之选。
Other recommendations include tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, celery, asparagus, water melon and strawberry. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theories, they are all cool-natured and can help eliminate heat in the body and promote digestion.
此外，还可以多吃西红柿、黄瓜、茄子、芹菜、芦笋、西瓜和草莓。中医理论认为，这些性凉的瓜果蔬菜，具有清热泻火、促进消化等功效。（何蒙贺 杨佳欣）