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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 bird's nest with rock sugar
Major Cold · Tea break · Yin Deficiency

Double-boiled bird's nest with rock sugar

Bird's nest double-boiled with rock sugar — clear, silky and deeply moistening.

  • 1 hr 10 min
  • Serves 2
  • Double-boil
  • Easy
NeutralNourishes yinMoistens the lungs

Why it suits you: Major Cold air is dry, and yin-deficient people get a dry mouth and skin. Bird's nest nourishes yin and moistens the lungs.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 60 min
  1. 1Soak the bird's nest for 6 hours and pick out any impurities.
  2. 2Put it in a double-boiling pot with the water.
  3. 3Double-boil for 40 minutes.
  4. 4Add the rock sugar and goji and double-boil for 20 minutes more.

Cautions

  • Pause during a cough with phlegm.

Chef's tips

  • Add the sugar later so the nest keeps its texture.

The TCM view

Bird's nest is sweet and neutral, nourishing yin and moistening dryness; rock sugar soothes the lungs; goji nourishes liver and kidneys.

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  • For Yin Deficiency
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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.