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Explainer | How to eat for good health in autumn – and all year round – according to the ancient Chinese calendar of 24 solar terms

  • The solar calendar divides the year into 24 periods based on the Earth’s movement around the sun, and dictates what’s best to eat and drink to nourish the body
  • For instance, Chinese believe you should eat your favourite seafood during late August’s ‘limit of heat’, and grill meat if mooncakes aren’t your autumn thing

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The 24 solar terms are specific points in the Earth’s orbit around the sun that were used by the ancient Chinese and others, and serve as a guide to what to eat and when during the year, such as at winter solstice. Photo: Getty Images

If you felt chilly earlier this month, it is because “great snow” – the 21st solar term – was in effect from December 7.

The solar terms are an ancient way to mark the seasons, and the sun feels remote during this period. Traditionally, this was interpreted to mean we will experience cold temperatures from now until spring.

Though “great snow”, also known as “heavy snow”, is not an absolute indicator of increased rainfall or snowfall, it is interpreted to mean we should expect more precipitation in Hong Kong.

During this time, plants and animals behave differently – nightingales stop chirping, tigers begin to look for mates, and orchids move onto the next stage of their life cycle. Our bodies may act up, as the cold is believed to impair our immune system.

Eating for our health is heavily emphasised throughout the year, but especially during “great snow”, and vitamin-packed fruits such as oranges help us fight the cold. But how much do you know about the rest of the solar terms? And how might they help shape our food choices?

What should you be eating at Lunar New Year, and as spring unfolds, for instance?

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