Gorgon fruits, Cuiguan pears, lilies, sweet taro soup with osmanthus flowers, and steamed hairy crabs (from left to right). [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

The first solar term of autumn, the Start of Autumn, commences today this year, signaling a time when all things flourish and ripen. In China, it's tradition to consume nutritious foods during this period to replenish energy and enhance immunity.

What seasonal delicacies are favored by Wuxi natives?

In Wuxi, there's a strong belief in consuming seasonal produce. The Start of Autumn marks the harvest of gorgon fruit, a delicacy enjoyed for its soft and aromatic qualities. It is good for spleen and kidneys and has lung-nourishing and moisture-dispelling properties.

Following a year of nurturing sunlight and rain, the emerald Cuiguan pears are ripening as expected. Peeling back their thin skins reveals snow-white flesh bursting with juice and a sweet fragrance.

The lilies of early autumn, like life itself, have a bittersweet taste. The purity and bitterness of lilies are appreciated by food lovers in Wuxi and are believed to be good for digestion, making them an excellent tonic after the onset of autumn.

Taro, with its soft, sweet, and sticky texture, is known to enhance beauty and nourish the skin, promoting shiny, dark hair. A popular dessert during the golden autumn season in Wuxi is sweet taro soup with osmanthus flowers.

For picky eaters in Wuxi, not indulging in a sumptuous meal of fat and juicy hairy crabs in autumn would be a year-long regret. A gentle sip of semi-liquid crab roe fills the mouth with a fresh aroma, seemingly dispelling the heat and dryness of summer.