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PANguin

Winter · from 20 Jan

Major Cold

大寒

Warm and nourish, prepare for Spring.

Next: Start of Spring on 4 Feb — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Mustard greens and snakehead fish rice noodle soup
Major Cold · Breakfast · Damp-Heat

Mustard greens and snakehead fish rice noodle soup

Bittersweet mustard greens and silky snakehead fish in a clear broth — a reset after festive frying.

  • 30 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
CoolingClears damp-heatLight nourishment

Why it suits you: Major Cold is near the year's end, when damp-heat types overdo fried and cured food. Mustard greens clear and snakehead fish nourishes lightly.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 15 min
  1. 1Marinate the fish with a little salt and cornflour for 10 minutes.
  2. 2Cut the greens into lengths; blanch the noodles.
  3. 3Bring the stock to the boil with the ginger and cook the greens for 3 minutes.
  4. 4Add the fish for 1 minute, then the noodles and salt.

Chef's tips

  • Add the fish last and turn off the heat once it boils.

The TCM view

Mustard greens open the lungs and resolve phlegm; snakehead is sweet and neutral, draining water; ginger settles the stomach.

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Seasonal principle

The last term of the year. Protect against extreme cold while preparing the body for the coming Spring. Transition from heavy, greasy tonics to more balanced, gentle nourishment. Start incorporating slightly pungent foods to help the body's energy begin its upward movement for spring.

In season now

In season around Major Cold: Chicken, Yam, Dates, Goji Berries, Black Fungus

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Damp-Heat

Oily skin, breakouts and a bitter taste

Enjoy: Mung beans · Winter melon and cucumber · Bitter melon · Celery · Job's tears

Go easy: Spicy, fried and barbecued food · Alcohol · Rich, sugary food

Not sure of your constitution?

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Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.