The 12 must-eat delicacies in Suzhou in autumn include hairy crabs, wild rice, chicken head rice, lotus root, taro, water shield, pork belly, sweet-scented osmanthus, seabass, chestnut, ginkgo, and red water chestnut.

“There are fresh fruits in the mountains and scales in the sea, and melons and eggplants are grown one after another. The best products are all produced in Wu, and they are sold fresh all year round.” Suzhou is rich in products, and its diet is also very particular. It abides by the principle of “not eating from time to time” ”, every season has its own seasonal good taste.

1. Hairy crabs

One of the most important delicacies in autumn is river crab. River crabs are delicious and are a favorite among people in the Jiangnan area. The most famous crabs in Suzhou are of course the Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs and Taihu crabs. The autumn wind blows and crabs' legs itch. When the autumn breeze brings coolness, it is the day when crabs are fat and red. Generally starting in mid-September, Suzhou's crab farmers begin to catch crabs one after another. The greedy parents can't wait for it, and the diners are finally in for a treat.

2. Wild rice

Only China and Vietnam cultivate wild rice as a vegetable in the world. In autumn, wild rice is tender and tender, which is the season for the market. The stronger the wild rice is not, the better, but it is better if it is firm but not empty and sinks straight into the water after being sliced. Perhaps because the texture of wild rice is similar to meat, meat must be accompanied when frying wild rice.

3. Chicken head rice

If you want to talk about any seasonal delicacies in Suzhou during the golden autumn season, the most recommended one is chicken head rice. Chicken head rice is fresh gorgon fruit, also known as chicken head meat, commonly known as chicken head. The fruit is spherical in shape with a protruding tip, shaped like a chicken head. It has the functions of strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, strengthening the kidney and astringing essence. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that eating Gorgon in autumn can adjust the wear and tear on the spleen and stomach caused by the hot summer. After the spleen and stomach are replenished, the human body can adapt by taking supplements or indigestible tonics.

4. Lotus root

After mid-autumn, the sugared lotus root in Suzhou begins to appear on the market. The lotus root in autumn is divided into old and tender. Young lotus root can be eaten directly like fruit, or It is served as a cold dish. Old lotus roots can be grated into stir-fries, lotus root balls, lotus root clips, stews, etc. There are many ways to eat lotus root. For Suzhou people, the most fond memory from their childhood is lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice. Suzhou sugared lotus root is as famous as Nanjing salted duck and Zhenjiang balsamic vinegar, and is also known as the "Three Treasures" of Jiangsu.

5. Taro

Taro, commonly known as taro, is good for the stomach, widens the intestines, and has laxative effects. Eating it in autumn can reduce the harm of dry weather to the human body, so it is loved by Suzhou people. . Taro can be steamed and eaten directly, or it can be made into taro and pork ribs stew, tea tree mushroom and taro soup, osmanthus, brown sugar and taro. Many dessert shops in Suzhou have launched a series of taro products, so you might as well give it a try.

6. Water shield

Water shield is a perennial herb that grows in lakes and swamps. It has smooth stems and leaves. After the beginning of summer, when the temperature rises, water shield grows vigorously and can be harvested in large quantities by frost. Water shield is rich in collagen, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption has the health-care effect of both medicine and food. In addition to being a delicacy, the ancients often compared water shield to homesickness.

7. Braised pork

A gourmet in Suzhou said: Suzhou people must eat four pieces of meat in four seasons: cherry meat in spring, steamed pork in summer, and braised pork in autumn. , Eat sauce recipes in winter. A bowl of meat is served on the table. The meat is the appearance. What the diners are concerned about is what is the meat holding? Suzhou people generally have three choices, one is Shaoxing dried vegetables; the other is dried cowpeas. Of course, the most delicious thing about braised meat and hidden treasures is the dried cauliflower heads. This is the third option.

8. Osmanthus

If you don’t get drunk with the fragrance of osmanthus a few times, you will be a Suzhou native in vain. As the city flower, osmanthus is a favorite delicacy of Suzhou people. Carefully collect the shaken osmanthus and dry or pickle it to make osmanthus wine, osmanthus rice cakes, osmanthus sugar porridge, osmanthus dumplings, etc. Friends who have a cough can also drink some osmanthus tea to relieve symptoms.

9. Bass

October is the plump period of bass. The bass produced at this time is plump and nutritious. It also has the dual functions of moisturizing and nourishing the stomach. It is the autumn season. The first choice for nourishment. Seabass is sweet in taste and mild in nature. It can nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the spleen and stomach, resolve phlegm and relieve cough. It has a very good nourishing effect for people with weak spleen and stomach and poor digestion. It begins to gain weight in late autumn, and at the end of autumn and early winter, the nutrients accumulated in the body are the richest.

10. Chestnuts

As soon as the autumn wind blows, sugar-fried chestnut shops in the streets and alleys of Suzhou become busy. Peel a chestnut that has just come out of the pot and put it into your mouth. The lingering fragrance fills your mouth and the aftertaste is endless. Chestnut is rich in nutrients, with a vitamin C content that is more than ten times that of apples. It has the functions of strengthening the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi, and tonifying the kidneys. It is suitable for people of all ages. Suzhou people like to fry chestnuts with osmanthus sugar and roast chestnut chicken. They are not only rich in nutrition, but also taste great.

11. Ginkgo

Ginkgo is relatively rare. Suzhou is the "largest producer" of ginkgo in the country. Its output accounts for about 20% of the country's total, mainly concentrated in the east and west mountains of Suzhou. Regular consumption of ginkgo can nourish yin, nourish skin and resist aging. The flavonoid glycosides and picrolactone in the seeds also have special preventive and therapeutic effects on cerebral thrombosis, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension and other diseases.

12. Red water chestnut

When it comes to the autumn scenery of Jiangnan, we have to mention the fresh and crisp red water chestnut. The red water chestnut from Suzhou Real Estate is also called "Suzhou red". Sow seeds in spring, harvest young water chestnuts at the beginning of autumn, and harvest old water chestnuts after summer heat and frost. The tender water chestnut has a crisp texture and sweet taste, and its crisp and sweet taste can also relieve heat; the old water chestnut can be cooked and eaten as a snack, which is sweet, fragrant and has a unique flavor.