Spring is for night cherry blossoms. Summer is for stars. Autumn is for the full moon. Winter is for snow. With these, the sake is delicious enough30

"Spring is for night cherry blossoms. Summer is for stars. Autumn is for the full moon. Winter is for snow. With these, the sake is delicious enough. If it still tastes bad, it means there’s something wrong within yourself."

This is a quote from Hiko Seijuro in Rurouni Kenshin.

In the context of the twenty-four solar terms, the period from September 7th to September 22nd is called "Hakuro" (White Dew).

The name "Hakuro" comes from the appearance of dew on grass and trees, which appears white when reflecting light.

During this time, the daytime heat begins to lessen, and occasionally cool breezes blow, causing the tips of the grass to be adorned with "white" dew. This is the season of "Hakuro."

"At times, the last moon is coldly shining, while White Dew is nourishing the earth."

This excerpt from Nakajima Atsushi’s The Moon Over the Mountain is also featured in Bungou Stray Dogs.

September 9th is "Chouyou no Sekku" (The Festival of the Chrysanthemum).

In China, odd numbers are considered auspicious and are associated with "yang" days, making days with overlapping odd numbers "celebration days."

"Chouyou no Sekku" is also known as "Kiku no Sekku" (The Chrysanthemum Festival). Chrysanthemums were believed to ward off evil spirits and promote longevity, and there was a custom in China of climbing small hills and drinking "chrysanthemum wine" to celebrate health and longevity. This custom was introduced to Japan during the Nara period and became a court event during the Heian period.

Seasonal ingredients for "Hakuro" include:

1. Pears

2. Pumpkin

3. Taro

4. Pears, which are in season from late August, not only provide moisture but also relieve thirst and remove excess heat from the body while soothing coughs. They are one of the ingredients to enjoy from the season of "Hakuro" through to the deepening autumn.

The name "pear" may come from the fact that the fruit's flesh is white (suggesting "naka-shiro" or "nothing inside," shortened to "nashi") or because pears do not bear fruit in the wind ("kaze-nashi," shortened to "nashi"). The character for "pear" is often used in girls' names, symbolizing wishes for the child to grow up healthy and charming, as well as to develop an appreciation for art and culture.

1. Pumpkin originates from the Americas. Pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexican caves dating back several millennia, indicating a long history of human association. Columbus brought pumpkins to Europe, spreading them globally, and they were introduced to Japan in the mid-16th century by Portuguese traders in Kyushu.

Pumpkins contain "carbohydrates" (including sugars and dietary fiber), "β-carotene," "vitamin C," and "vitamin E." The most notable nutrient in pumpkin is "β-carotene," which has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress in the body. β-carotene converts into "vitamin A," which enhances the immune function of skin and mucous membranes.

Enjoying autumnal pumpkin helps promote a healthy appearance.

1. Taro is a low-calorie food with high water content among tubers. Taro is rich in potassium, which helps eliminate excess sodium that causes swelling. Its unique mucilage protects the stomach lining and promotes healthy digestion.

A miso soup made with taro and ginger, which warms the body, is ideal for countering swelling and aiding appetite, especially during the lingering heat and temperature fluctuations.

The key factors that make meals delicious are:

1. Being hungry.

2. Enjoying seasonal ingredients.

By savoring seasonal foods and nourishing both body and mind, let’s face each day and overcome life's challenges.