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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

Stir-fried A-choy with black bean dace
Major Cold · Dinner · Phlegm-Dampness

Stir-fried A-choy with black bean dace

Crisp A-choy stir-fried with tinned black bean dace — savoury, quick and light on oil.

  • 13 min
  • Serves 2
  • Stir-fry
  • Easy
NeutralResolves phlegmDrains water

Why it suits you: Phlegm-damp types feel heavy in winter, and rich food makes it worse. A-choy is fresh, tangerine peel resolves phlegm, and the tin provides the oil and salt.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 8 min
  1. 1Wash and cut the A-choy; crush the garlic; soak and shred the peel.
  2. 2Flake the dace, keeping a little of the tin oil.
  3. 3Fry the garlic and peel in the tin oil, then add the dace.
  4. 4Add the greens on high heat until just wilted and finish with the sugar.

Cautions

  • The tin is salty, so add no salt.

Chef's tips

  • Use the tin oil for flavour and less fat.

The TCM view

A-choy is sweet and cool, draining water; dace supports the spleen; tangerine peel resolves phlegm.

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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.

Phlegm-Dampness

Heaviness, sluggishness and a full belly

Enjoy: Job's tears (coix seed) · Adzuki beans · Winter melon · White radish · Aged tangerine peel

Go easy: Sweets and sugary drinks · Greasy food and late-night snacks · Lots of dairy and cold drinks

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.