24 Solar Terms: 5 things you may not know about Grain Rain

A rare book on wild vegetables from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). [Photo/artron.net]

Eating toona sinensis

People in northern China have the tradition to eat the vegetable toona sinensis during Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes "toona sinensis before the rain is as tender as silk". The vegetable is nutritious and can help to stengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and skin.