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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

Apple, pear and pork shin soup
Major Cold · Dinner · Sensitive (Allergic)

Apple, pear and pork shin soup

Apple, pear and pork shin simmered into a sweet, soothing soup — simple ingredients for sensitive constitutions.

  • 2 hr 15 min
  • Serves 3
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralMoistens the lungsLow in common allergens

Why it suits you: Allergy-prone people often get a sensitive nose in dry, cold weather. Apple and pear moisten the lungs and pork nourishes, with nothing complicated added.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 120 min
  1. 1Cut and blanch the pork.
  2. 2Core the fruit and cut it into large pieces, leaving the skin on.
  3. 3Simmer everything for 2 hours.
  4. 4Season and serve with stir-fried pak choi.

Cautions

  • Leave out the apricot kernels if sensitive to nuts.

Chef's tips

  • Keep the skins on for a sweeter soup.

The TCM view

Apple and pear are sweet and cool, moistening the lungs; pork nourishes; apricot kernels soothe the lungs.

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  • For Sensitive (Allergic)
  • Right for Major Cold
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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.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

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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.