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PANguin

Spring · from 5 Mar

Awakening of Insects

驚蟄

Soothe the Liver, nourish Yin.

Next: Spring Equinox on 20 Mar — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Peach gum and honey locust seed sweet soup
Awakening of Insects · Tea break · Yin Deficiency

Peach gum and honey locust seed sweet soup

Peach gum and honey locust seeds simmered until soft and translucent: a silky, lightly sweet soup that is a modern Hong Kong favourite.

  • 50 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralNourishes yin and moistensRelieves thirst

Why it suits you: Yin-deficient types get a dry mouth, throat and skin as the weather warms. Sweet, neutral peach gum and honey locust seeds moisten dryness and rock sugar generates fluids, soothing without being cold: ideal as an afternoon sweet soup.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 40 min
  1. 1The night before, soak the peach gum and honey locust seeds separately in water. Next day, pick any grit from the peach gum and rinse.
  2. 2Bring the water to the boil, add both and simmer gently for 35 minutes until soft.
  3. 3Stir in the rock sugar until dissolved, then add the goji berries for 2 minutes.

Cautions

  • Peach gum is not recommended during pregnancy.

Chef's tips

  • Peach gum swells many times over when soaked; 15 g dried is plenty for two bowls.

The TCM view

Peach gum is sweet, bitter and neutral, harmonising blood and generating fluids. Honey locust seeds are sweet and neutral and moisten the lungs; goji nourishes the liver and kidneys and rock sugar moistens. Together they nourish yin and ease dryness.

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Seasonal principle

The weather warms and Liver fire can rise. Pears are excellent for moistening the throat and clearing heat. Stay hydrated and avoid staying up late. Incorporate gentle breathing exercises to calm the mind and prevent seasonal allergies or irritability.

In season now

In season around Awakening of Insects: Pear, White Fungus, Chrysanthemum, Celery, Bamboo Shoots

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.