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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

Red bean and tangerine peel cake
Major Cold · Tea break · Qi Stagnation

Red bean and tangerine peel cake

Soft red beans and tangerine peel set in water chestnut flour — chewy, fragrant and auspicious.

  • 55 min
  • Serves 4
  • Steam
  • Medium
NeutralMoves qiSupports the spleen

Why it suits you: Year-end pressure weighs on qi-stagnation types at Major Cold. Tangerine peel moves qi and red beans support the spleen.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 40 min
  1. 1Soak the beans overnight and simmer with the peel in 600 ml water for 40 minutes; remove the peel.
  2. 2Mix the flour with 300 ml water.
  3. 3Dissolve the sugar in the bean liquid and stir in half the flour mixture to part-cook it.
  4. 4Add the rest of the flour and the beans, pour into a tin, steam for 40 minutes and cool before slicing.

Cautions

  • Go easy if watching blood sugar.

Chef's tips

  • Cool completely before slicing for clean pieces.

The TCM view

Red beans are sweet, sour and neutral, supporting the spleen; tangerine peel moves qi; water chestnut flour clears heat.

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  • For Qi Stagnation
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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 Stagnation

Stress, low mood and frequent sighing

Enjoy: Rose bud tea · Aged tangerine peel · Citrus fruit · Kelp · Daylily buds

Go easy: Too much caffeine · Alcohol · Stress eating

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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.