Chinese Summer Cooling Drinks: Watermelon Rind Soup!
In San Diego County Late Summer brings the hellish weather of Santa Ana conditions: dry heat from the desert. Even now, Sept 9, 2024, we have had a week of 100 degree days.
The Problem with Iced Beverges
Americans love iced beverages, which, alas, overcool the gut, and can be a contributing factore with facial acne, asthma, and frequent colds in winter. Nothing wrong with a little bit of ice, but we are addicted to the big gulp mentality that freezes the top of your palate and makes your nose hurt.
Alternatives to Iced Beverages
A great alternative from Chinese Medicine and Culture is to boil ORGANIC watermelon rind, in water, for 30 minutes. The rind is naturally cool and has a strong diuretic effect. Add a few slices of fresh ginger 3 minutes before ending.
Allow to cool, refrigerate, and enjoy. Its a very delicious and mild drink. If you want go crazy, make ice cubes from watermelon juice or crushed melon, a float a few of those in your drink.
And here is a link to a fresh watermelon fruit juice with ginger, lime, and salt…
And my Aqua Fresca Mexican summer drinks I learned while traveling in Oaxaca
