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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

Braised pork trotters with dried oysters and fat choy
Major Cold · Dinner · Qi Deficiency

Braised pork trotters with dried oysters and fat choy

A New Year braise of trotters, dried oysters and fat choy — auspicious and restoring.

  • 2 hr 30 min
  • Serves 3
  • Braise
  • Medium
WarmingBoosts qiNourishes blood

Why it suits you: Major Cold comes just before the New Year, and qi-deficient people tire easily. Trotters and dried oysters nourish qi and blood in a soft braise.

Method

Prep 30 min · Cook 120 min
  1. 1Soak the dried oysters and mushrooms; soak and rinse the fat choy.
  2. 2Chop and blanch the trotters, then rinse.
  3. 3Fry the ginger, add the trotters and wine, then the oyster sauce, sugar and water.
  4. 4Braise for 1 hour, add the oysters and mushrooms for 40 minutes, then the fat choy for 5 minutes.

Cautions

  • Trotters are fatty — skim the surface.

Chef's tips

  • Add the fat choy last so it keeps its texture.

The TCM view

Trotters are sweet, salty and neutral, nourishing blood; dried oysters nourish yin and blood; shiitake supports the spleen.

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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.

Qi Deficiency

Low energy, tires easily and catches colds

Enjoy: Chinese yam · Millet and pumpkin · Red dates · Chicken and beef · Shiitake and soybeans

Go easy: Raw, cold food and iced drinks · Crash dieting · Greasy, heavy meals

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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.