The three delicacies of meat are mutton, pork and beef. The three delicacies are divided into three delicacies: meat, ground, tree, and water. The three delicacies of the earth are broad beans, amaranth, and cucumber; the three delicacies of the tree are cherries, loquats, and apricots; the three delicacies of the water are sea clams, pufferfish, and anchovies.

On the day of the beginning of summer, in ancient times, the emperor led his ministers and officials to hold a ceremony to welcome summer in the southern suburbs of the capital. They wore red clothes and symbolized the red emperor in Xia. At the same time, they served raw meat, fresh fruits, grains and tea. Worship the ancient emperor. This custom spread to the people, and there was a move to try something new at the beginning of summer. Later, the custom of eating three delicacies in summer gradually developed. Tasting three delicacies at the beginning of summer is also called "eating three delicacies at the beginning of summer" or "seeing three new things at the beginning of summer".