The Frost’s Descent, or "Shuangjiang" in Chinese, is the 18th of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, and will last from October 23 to November 7 this year. It is the last autumn solar term, making it a transitional period from autumn to winter.
霜降，是中国传统24节气里的第18个节气，今年从10月23日开始到11月7日结束。霜降是秋天的最后一个节气，它预示着冬天的到来。
As the name suggests, the Frost’s Descent period sees a drop in temperature along with the first appearance of frost in the Yellow River region.
霜降，顾名思义，就是天气渐冷，黄河流域开始出现初霜。
On these days, taking care of your health is especially important. People should focus on protecting their bodies from dryness, depression, and cold, as recorded in ancient Chinese books.
霜降时节，养生保健尤为重要，正如古书上所记载的，此时人们应当防燥、防上火，并注意保暖。
Why eat yams?
为什么要吃山药？
Diet should be light during the Frost’s Descent as it suggests that it nourishes the lungs and helps with dryness.
在霜降时节，饮食宜清火以滋阴养肺。
Chinese yam is the best choice for this type of nourishment. Some plants that are not hardy as yams in converting starch into sugar. Yams are delicious and easy to keep for a long time, so it’s a good choice beyond this frosty period.
山药是最佳选择，在将淀粉转化成糖分方面，其他食物没有山药功效好。山药很美味，也耐储存，所以是霜降时节的上佳之选。
Yams are widely planted in the country’s north and northwest regions, along with the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
山药在中国的北部、西北部以及长江中下游地区都有广泛种植。
According to some chefs, if you’re looking for yams that are soft, go for the rod-like shape in the video.
据一些厨师介绍，如果你想要找口感软一些的山药，那就找视频中那种棍状的。
The rod-like yams are grown in very strict requirements planting environments. For example, Jiaozuo City in Henan Province is located in the central plain. With an annual average temperature of 14 to 15 degrees, the mild climate is the most suitable for growing this yam.
棍状山药的种植条件非常严格。例如，河南省焦作市位于中部平原，平均气温14到15度，其温和的气候最适合种植这种山药。
How to make a savory yam dish?
如何烹制一道美味的山药菜？
Chinese yam, as the main ingredient of the dish, goes well with dates. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the red date also helps add moisture to the body. Of course, green onion, ginger, garlic, oil, salt, and soy sauce are also essential.
作为这道菜的主菜，山药和红枣很配。中医认为，红枣可增加身体的湿度。当然，葱、姜、蒜、油、盐和酱油也是必不可少的。
This dish helps give people a warm feeling in the transitional period, so it uses the braising cooking method of braising.
在秋冬交替之际，这道菜能让人感觉暖暖的，所以它采用了焖煮的方式。
It should be noted that the Chinese yam should be steamed for 15 minutes after being cut into pieces, to maintain taste.
需要注意的是，山药切片后应蒸15分钟，以保证它的美味。
After that, add steamed red dates and other ingredients like soy sauce, salt, sugar. While sugar enhances the sweet taste of yams, the soy sauce is for coloring and adds a strong flavor.
然后，加入红枣和其他的调料像酱油、盐、糖等。加糖是为了增加山药的适度，加酱油是为了上色，并让其口感更浓。
Also, you can choose to drizzle it with sesame oil before serving.
上桌前再淋上些许芝麻油会更好。
The dish is soft and suitable for the elderly and children and perfect for welcoming the cold and winter. Click the video and follow the full instructions to make a savory yam dish.
这道菜软糯香甜，老少咸宜，很适合寒冷的冬天。点击视频，按照完整说明制作一道美味的山药菜吧。（视频此处略去）
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