China has entered its hottest time of summer, known as sanfu days. When it feels like a sauna outside, people's tastes change. Here are some treats to cool off at the dinner table.

1. Bitter melon

In traditional Chinese medicine, it's believed that eating bitter food in summer can help relieve inner heat in the human body. When the weather is sizzling and people lose their appetite for hot dishes, cold bitter melon in sauce can be a soothing choice. The vegetable is also able to improve blood circulation and help decrease blood sugar levels.

2. Cucumbers

Sliced cucumbers, usually served with sesame oil and garlic, is another popular cold dish in summer. Slice the cucumbers and add a sauce made with sesame oil, garlic and vinegar; then you can enjoy a cool and crunchy dish.

3. Ginger tea

In traditional Chinese medicine, eating ginger is believed to accelerate perspiration to cool the body and increase blood circulation.

4. Mung bean soup

Mung bean soup is a soothing sweet soup and dessert. In traditional Chinese medicine, mung beans are considered to have a "cooling" property, and also are thought to be able to expel toxins from the human body. The beans are also a good source of protein, vitamins, fiber and minerals.

5. Grass jelly

Grass jelly is a jelly-like dessert originating in Taiwan and cities in southern China. The jelly has a translucent dark brown color and tastes slightly bitter. A typical jelly desert is served chilled in a bowl, sometimes with added fruits and peanuts. Jelly is also believed to be able to disperse inner heat.

6. Plum juice

Syrup of plum, called suanmeitang in Chinese, is a kind of sweet and sour plum juice, available in many restaurants and juice shops across China.