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PANguin

Winter · from 7 Dec

Major Snow

大雪

Deeply nourish, protect against severe cold.

Next: Winter Solstice on 22 Dec — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Yam and duck congee
Major Snow · Breakfast · Yin Deficiency

Yam and duck congee

Silky fresh yam and duck in congee — moistening and never heating on dry winter mornings.

  • 55 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralNourishes yinSupports the spleen

Why it suits you: Major Snow air is dry, and yin-deficient people get a dry mouth and skin. Duck and yam nourish yin without heat.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 40 min
  1. 1Simmer the rice with the water and ginger for 25 minutes.
  2. 2Peel and dice the yam; skin and shred the duck and salt it lightly.
  3. 3Add the yam for 10 minutes.
  4. 4Add the duck and goji for 3 minutes and season.

Cautions

  • Wear gloves to peel yam to avoid itching.

Chef's tips

  • Skin the duck so the congee isn't greasy.

The TCM view

Duck is sweet, salty and cool, nourishing yin; yam supports spleen, lungs and kidneys; goji nourishes liver and kidneys.

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Seasonal principle

A time for deep nourishment. Use warming herbs and hearty stews to protect the body's core temperature. Avoid cold drafts and ensure your living environment is adequately heated. Practice gentle indoor exercises like Tai Chi to keep the joints mobile without sweating excessively.

In season now

In season around Major Snow: Mutton, Ginger, Dates, Longan, Leek

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.