Why don't Cantonese eat spicy food?
In a humid environment, eating spicy food can invigorate the spleen and stomach.
But Cantonese people seldom eat spicy food, but they like to make soup, and they will put some cool ingredients in the soup, such as winter melon, barley and so on. Xinhui, Guangdong is rich in tangerine peels, and Cantonese people often use tangerine peels, citron and other medicinal materials in their soups.
Tangerine peel—resolves phlegm and regulates qi, promotes qi and dehumidifies;
Citron—regulates qi, reduces phlegm, relieves vomiting, promotes qi and soothes the liver;
Bergamot, a variant of citron—promotes qi and resolves phlegm, relieves vomiting and eliminates dampness.
Spicy food should be eaten in moderation, as eating too much will generate heat.
