I first "officially" knowledge on southern life comes from "Gone with the Wind". I always and still wondering how did the people deal with this kind of heat without ac units by then: imagine a gorgeous Scarlett working in the field...
As anyone typical from south of China, I follow the common sense of what food is "warm" or "cool" or easy to catching "body heat" when the weather is extreme. It's fun to teach my kiddos though: they practice hard to memorize food nature but end of conclusion as "just eat whatever mom serves " ^_^
大暑就要到了。在这个一年夏季过半年的城市，倒是不太有上火的困扰。烤的炸的都不曾消停。但讲究些计较些，还是应该的啦。
Homemade Winter Melon Tea. It's cold, it's sweet, and it's perfect for all summer long. The one kind of tea our family never getting tired of.
自家熬制的冬瓜茶。冰冰的甜甜的，在斜阳里给自己斟上一杯。准备晚餐的好心境就有了。
有些东西，就是越老越知道欣赏。 比如， 苦瓜。
九颗话梅，糖醋，连水都不用飞过，却成就这惊人美味的苦瓜滋味。我简直一直禁不住想着它，不间断地泡着一罐。
"Mom,你为什么这么喜欢苦的东西啊？”
“哦，妈妈老啦”
“你比爸爸还要老吗？！”
Green Papaya Salad. Sweet and sour is no big deal in summer, but the crunch and fresh texture make it really stand out.
所有酸的泡菜里，就数青木瓜久泡亦脆亦入味，且型色不变。咯吱咯吱的咬着炎热的暑天。
Yes, cannot miss my famous Cucumber Salad. This is a dish passed down from our family, and we all love it so much.
自小就想不明白，明明是绿的，凭什么叫黄瓜。大了去到广东，人唤之青瓜，实在让我肃然起敬。如今轮到儿子考我：“Mom，为什么是~黄~瓜？”
“那它的花是黄色的嘛”
“所以...应该叫黄花瓜喽？”
Watercress Salad. Very basic & simple taste. Very saint.
水里长的往往是凉性的。西洋菜生熟皆可，就是老广煲上两个钟变黄了的西洋菜鸭肾或猪骨也让人怀念啊。
When not in mood for hot wok, cold serve any green leaves works well. You actually taste another type of sweetness of the stems.
一切皆可拌来吃。就是过水也让我热又疲乏了。
Spicy Sweet potato Noodle Salad. I somehow like the hot dish in hot days.
其实有些辣的是比较醒胃。要不泰国南洋菜系都是如此吧。 这是我的小灶：家里实在没人受得住这貌不惊人但闻着都打喷嚏的辣。
Soybean Curd and Water Bamboo Shoots Salad. Sweet and soy sauce make it popular in kids.
腐皮茭白。甜甜咸咸的，有些江南的味道。
Homemade Fish Ball and Winter Melon Soup.
手打的鲮鱼丸烧冬瓜汤。清淡素雅。
Fruits, so sweet, so many to choose. Wish you a fun summer!
夏季的瓜啦果啦都闹哄哄的甜蜜蜜的挤着登场。不要小看那不起眼的荔枝，算得上我们居美几十年最甜最小核的，粒粒清甜消渣，我们好在买了一整箱，吃饱了还惦记着要再寻一批来。吃到家乡的滋味，远在千山万水之外，我们很感恩，也很感慨了。
