What is Boknal?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Boknal?

 

 

 

 

 

Boknal refers to the hottest days of summer in Korea, traditionally observed based on the lunar calendar.

 

There are three specific days: Chobok (초복), Jungbok (중복), and Malbok (말복).

 

These days are known for their extreme heat, and it is a Korean tradition to eat specific foods like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to maintain energy and health during these hot periods.

 

 

 

Unlike the present era, most of the past was an agrarian society, and physical exhaustion due to the summer heat was more severe.

 

This led to the custom of eating nourishing food on Boknal.

 

So, what are the benefits of the representative Boknal dish, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)?

 

What other nourishing foods are there besides samgyetang?

 

Check out the information below, and make sure everyone takes care to eat nourishing food this summer to combat the heat.

 

 

 

1. Samgyetang

 

 

https://m.sedaily.com/NewsView/29S608LYZE#cb

 

 

 

Samgyetang (삼계탕) is a traditional Korean soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, jujube (Korean dates), and sometimes chestnuts.

 

The dish is simmered for several hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together.

 

Eating samgyetang and other nourishing foods during Boknal is a cherished tradition that helps Koreans maintain their health and energy throughout the challenging summer heat.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Eel

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.mhns.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=614409

 

 

 

If you prefer something other than hot soup, we recommend eel, known as the emperor of nourishing foods.

 

Eel is called the emperor of nourishing foods because it is rich in essential amino acids, protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins.

 

It also contains components that enhance immunity, such as zinc and selenium.

 

Eel is known to be effective in restoring energy, preventing aging, and improving skin health, making it one of the best foods for nutritional supplementation.

 

Additionally, eel can be enjoyed in various ways, such as grilled, steamed, braised, or in soups, allowing you to choose and prepare it according to your preference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Kongguksu (Cold Soybean Noodles)

 

 

 

 

https://www.mhns.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=614409

 

 

 

 

If you prefer cool dishes over hot ones, we recommend kongguksu as a nourishing food for Chobok (the first of the three hottest summer days).

 

While naengmyeon (cold noodles) is often thought of during the hot summer months, kongguksu is recommended for its main ingredient: soybeans.

 

The soybeans in kongguksu are so rich in plant-based protein that they are often called "beef from the field."

 

They are also packed with calcium, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients, making kongguksu effective in replenishing energy and alleviating fatigue.

 

Additionally, the lecithin and dietary fiber in soybeans help lower cholesterol levels, which can aid in preventing high blood pressure, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#KoreanCuisine #SummerFoods #HealthyEating #Nourishment #Eel #Samgyetang #Kongguksu #Nutrition #보양식 #복날 #건강식 #여름음식

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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