Refreshing Retreat: The Magic of Mung Bean Soup for Summer Heat

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  A bowl of chilled mung bean soup with ice cubes on a hot summer afternoon, bringing a breath of coolness to the heat.
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  A pot of mung bean soup simmering over a campfire at a campsite, adding warmth to a camping night.
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  A bowl of traditional mung bean soup with dim sum in an old-fashioned teahouse, adding a touch of nostalgia to a leisurely afternoon tea.
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  A cup of mung bean soup on the corner of a desk in a quiet library, offering a refreshing sweetness to those absorbed in books.
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  A pot of steaming mung bean soup on a family gathering table, surrounded by the laughter of family members.
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  A cup of chilled mung bean soup in a modern office break area, bringing a touch of coolness to a busy workday.
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  A bowl of mung bean soup with a fruit platter during a leisurely weekend brunch, providing the perfect start to a relaxing morning.
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  A bowl of mung bean soup as a refreshing treat at a festive celebration, bringing tranquility to a lively gathering.

A: The Culture and Flavor Journey of Mung Bean Soup

Mung bean soup, a traditional drink well-known in Chinese households, is favored for its refreshing taste and heat-clearing effects during the sweltering summer months. It's not merely a simple home dessert but also carries profound cultural heritage and health concepts.

Cultural Background

The history of mung bean soup dates back to ancient China, where it was commonly used to combat the high temperatures and humidity of summer. In many regions of China, mung bean soup is an essential part of summer dietary culture. Especially during the Dragon Boat Festival, mung bean soup is eaten alongside zongzi, forming a traditional custom.

Suitable Crowd

Mung bean soup is suitable for all demographics, particularly those who work in high-temperature environments or are prone to sweating. It's a gentle heat-clearing drink for children and the elderly.

Features and Taste

The specialty of mung bean soup lies in its light, slightly sweet taste. After cooking, the mung beans become soft and the soup is refreshing, carrying the unique fragrance of mung beans. It can be simply sweet or enhanced with additional ingredients like lily bulbs or lotus seeds to add flavor.

Appearance

A well-prepared mung bean soup has a clear soup color with plump mung beans, often garnished with rock sugar or lemon slices. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of color to the drink.

Nutritional Value

Mung beans are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, known for their heat-clearing and diuretic properties. Drinking mung bean soup in summer can replenish fluids and electrolytes and provide necessary nutrition.

B: The Production Process of Mung Bean Soup

Introduction of Ingredients

Mung beans, rock sugar, water.

Production Tools

Soup pot, stirring spoon, sieve.

Ingredient Preparation

1. Soak the mung beans in water several hours to overnight.

2. Rinse the soaked mung beans to remove any impurities.

Cooking Steps

1. Add the mung beans and water to a soup pot.

2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer until the mung beans sprout and the soup turns green.

3. Add rock sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved.

Seasoning Techniques

Seasoning for mung bean soup is typically simple, primarily using rock sugar. However, lemon juice or mint leaves can be added for a more refreshing taste.

Consumption Suggestions

It's best to enjoy mung bean soup chilled. It can be served as a dessert after meals or consumed as a refreshing summer drink on its own.