Xiaoman, or Grain Buds, the 8th solar term of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, falls on May 20 this year. It is the second solar term of summer, when the weather gets hotter by the day and the wheat gradually ripens. During Xiaoman, it is customary in China to eat vegetables with a bitter taste because, according to traditional Chinese medicine, they are refreshing and can help the human body eliminate the summer heat. For example, bitter gourds, endives, and dandelion leaves are all vegetables with a bitter taste that are recommended at this time of year. Not only can they help relieve the summer heat, but they can also stimulate appetite and promote digestion.