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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

Double-boiled duck with cordyceps flowers
Major Cold · Dinner · Yin Deficiency

Double-boiled duck with cordyceps flowers

Duck double-boiled with cordyceps flowers — a clear, sweet soup that moistens without heating.

  • 3 hr 15 min
  • Serves 3
  • Double-boil
  • Easy
NeutralNourishes yinSupports lungs and kidneys

Why it suits you: Major Cold air is dry, and yin-deficient people get a dry mouth and poor sleep. Duck nourishes yin and cordyceps flowers support the lungs and kidneys.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 180 min
  1. 1Skin and trim the duck, chop it and blanch with the pork.
  2. 2Rinse the cordyceps flowers.
  3. 3Put everything in a double-boiling pot with the water.
  4. 4Double-boil for 3 hours and season before serving.

Cautions

  • Pause during a cold.

Chef's tips

  • Skin the duck first so the soup isn't greasy.

The TCM view

Duck is sweet, salty and cool, nourishing yin; cordyceps flowers support the lungs and kidneys; pork nourishes.

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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.

Yin Deficiency

Dryness with a sense of inner heat

Enjoy: Lily bulb and snow fungus · Asian pear · Duck · Lotus root and tofu · Black sesame

Go easy: Spicy, fried and barbecued food · Too much coffee and alcohol · Warming, drying foods such as lamb

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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.