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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

Quail egg and red date sweet soup
Major Cold · Tea break · Qi Deficiency

Quail egg and red date sweet soup

Little quail eggs simmered with red dates and longan — a warming, restoring sweet soup.

  • 35 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
WarmingBoosts qiNourishes blood

Why it suits you: Qi-deficient people tire easily and have cold hands at Major Cold. Quail eggs boost qi and dates with longan nourish blood.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 25 min
  1. 1Hard-boil and peel the quail eggs.
  2. 2Simmer the stoned dates, longan and ginger in the water for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Add the sugar to dissolve.
  4. 4Add the eggs for 5 minutes.

Cautions

  • Use less sugar if watching blood sugar.

Chef's tips

  • Cool the eggs in cold water so they peel easily.

The TCM view

Quail eggs are sweet and neutral, nourishing qi and blood; dates boost qi; longan nourishes blood and calms the mind.

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  • For Qi Deficiency
  • 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.

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.