As we enter mid-July, the intense heat of the hottest summer days, known as "Sambok" (三伏), begins to feel even more overwhelming. “Sambok” means the hottest 3 days of the Summer season.

Traditionally, our ancestors referred to the three hottest days of summer as "Sambok" (三伏), which are categorized as Chobok (初伏), Jungbok (中伏), and Malbok (末伏). Chobok represents the first hot day, Jungbok the second, and Malbok the third. These days are known to be the hottest period of the summer, thus the term "Sambok heat" originates from this period, referring to extremely hot weather. During this time, our ancestors consumed special foods to replenish their energy. They ate dishes like Samgyetang (Korean chicken soup) and Patjuk (red bean porridge), believing that eating Patjuk could prevent heat-related illnesses and diseases. They also cooled down by dipping their feet in cold water and eating fruits like watermelon and Chamoe.(Korean melon)

According to climate scientists, this summer might be the "coolest summer" we will experience due to climate change. It sounds a bit scary, doesn’t it? But don't worry! Since we can't avoid the extended summer, we might as well enjoy it. Speaking of which, the first hot day, Chobok - the first and hottest day in the summer season - is just around the corner. Today, let's take a closer look at Samgyetang, the representative dish for Sambok heat, focusing on its main ingredients.

Ginseng: Eliminates Chicken Odor and Softens the Meat

Samgyetang is a representative dish for Sambok days. It is a nutritious dish made by boiling chicken, which is rich in protein, with various ingredients. Eating warm foods like Samgyetang in the summer can help cool your body as sweat evaporates. Ginseng, one of the main ingredients of Samgyetang, contains saponin, polyphenols, and polyacetylene, which help relieve fatigue, enhance immunity, and improve blood circulation. Adding ginseng to Samgyetang not only removes the chicken's odor but also softens the meat. When consumed with chicken, it boosts metabolism and helps restore energy. However, for those who naturally have a lot of body heat, ginseng might not be suitable, so alternatives like astragalus or mulberry branches can be used.

Jujube: Rich in Vitamin C, Avoid if You Have Headaches

Jujube is another key ingredient in Samgyetang. Jujubes, known for their unique flavor and sweetness, are rich in vitamin C, minerals, dietary fiber, and flavonoids, which have anti-cancer effects. The pantothenic acid in jujubes promotes cortisol hormone secretion, helping to alleviate stress. They also aid in calming the nerves, making jujube tea a recommended remedy for those with insomnia. Jujubes also contain a lot of calcium and potassium. However, if you have a lot of body heat, headaches, or tinnitus, it’s best to avoid jujubes in Samgyetang. The heat can exacerbate these symptoms. When choosing jujubes, select ones with fewer wrinkles, a red skin, and a yellowish-white inside.

Garlic: Enhances Vitamin Absorption

Garlic is an essential ingredient when making Samgyetang. Adding garlic to chicken dishes effectively removes the chicken's odor. The allicin in garlic increases the absorption of vitamin B1 from chicken in the body and has antibacterial effects. Garlic also helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, improving blood circulation. When consumed with other foods, garlic helps expel cholesterol from the body.

Wait! When to Be Careful with Samgyetang

Although Samgyetang is a popular health food, some people should be cautious. Experts say that frequent consumption of Samgyetang by people with metabolic syndrome can worsen their condition due to its high protein and fat content. People with metabolic syndrome should consume vegetables and fruits rich in minerals and water for better health. Additionally, those with hyperlipidemia or obesity should be careful as a bowl of Samgyetang contains over 900 kcal, which exceeds a third of the recommended daily intake of 2,500 kcal for adult men. High sodium levels in the soup can also be problematic for those with high blood pressure, so it’s best to consume the solids rather than the broth and reduce salt when cooking at home. Other health foods, like spicy and salty soups, can also cause issues if consumed frequently, such as gastritis from spicy foods like Chueo-tang(Korean loach soup) or obesity and hypertension from fatty broths like Gamjatang.(Korean Pork Bone Soup)

Patjuk(red bean porridge) During Sambok Heat?

For those who find Samgyetang too burdensome due to health issues or prefer a plant-based diet, don't worry! Patjuk is here for you. Many people think Patjuk is only eaten during the winter solstice, but it's also a great summer healthy food. According to Donguibogam - traditional Korean medical encyclopedia written by Jun Heo - "Red beans have a plain nature and sweet taste without toxicity. They relieve thirst, diarrhea, and promote urination while reducing swelling and bloating." Eating Patjuk during Sambok helps release the body's heat toxins accumulated during the hot and humid summer, acting as a medicinal food. There's even a record of eating Patjuk during Sambok in the Joseon Dynasty. Think of it in the same way as red bean Bingsu, which is shaved ice topped with sweet red beans in the heat.

Variety of Ingredients for Samgyetang Available at Organic One

You don’t have to stick to ginseng and jujube when making Samgyetang. You can use various ingredients that suit your body, health condition, and taste preferences. Besides jujubes, you can add nuts like chestnuts, pine nuts, and walnuts, as well as garlic, onions, and green onions. If ginseng feels too intense, alternatives like astragalus, Siberian ginseng, elm tree, mulberry tree, and even ginkgo can be used. For the younger generation, turmeric and turmeric-based curries are a great way to combine flavor and health.

Where can you find these diverse ingredients for Samgyetang before Chobok? Look no further than Organic One! We have four pre-packaged herbal kits for Samgyetang available in our online and offline stores to make your cooking convenient. We also offer traditional herbal ingredients like four-year-old dried ginseng, Siberian ginseng, elm tree, mulberry tree, and more. Additionally, we have Korean organic red beans and glutinous rice, the main ingredients for summer Patjuk, waiting for you.

How about a shopping trip to Organic One this weekend? We provide you with the gift of summer health.

<News Editor: Jiyoung Ahn>