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PANguin

Spring · from 4 Feb

Start of Spring

立春

Nourish Liver Yang, protect against wind-cold.

Next: Rain Water on 18 Feb — 14 days

Tailor to a constitution

Honey steamed egg in orange cups
Start of Spring · Breakfast · Qi Stagnation

Honey steamed egg in orange cups

Hollowed oranges filled with silky, orange-scented steamed egg: pretty enough to lift the mood first thing.

  • 24 min
  • Serves 2
  • Steam
  • Easy
NeutralSoothes liver qiOpens the appetite

Why it suits you: Qi Stagnation brings low moods and a tight chest, and as liver qi rises at the Start of Spring it must not get stuck. Fragrant orange peel moves qi, and the silky custard in its cheerful cup brightens the morning.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 14 min
  1. 1Cut the top third off each orange, scoop out the flesh and juice it, keeping the peel as cups.
  2. 2Beat the eggs with 80 ml orange juice, the warm water and honey, then strain into the orange cups.
  3. 3Set the cups on a plate, cover with foil and steam over low heat for 12 minutes until set; leave covered off the heat for 2 minutes.

Cautions

  • Do not give honey to babies under one year old.

Chef's tips

  • Steam gently and keep the cups covered for a smooth surface.

The TCM view

Orange flesh is sweet, sour and cool, generating fluids and easing qi downwards; the peel is pungent, bitter and warm and moves qi. Egg is sweet and neutral and nourishes blood; honey moistens. Sweetness soothes a tense liver and fragrance frees stuck qi.

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Seasonal principle

Spring is the time of the Liver. Focus on gentle movement and eating foods that help the Liver Qi rise. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can stagnate Qi. It is important to dress warmly to protect against the lingering winter cold, especially around the neck and joints. Engage in light stretching exercises to promote the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.

In season now

In season around Start of Spring: Chives, Coriander, Ginger, Dates, Honey

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

Not sure of your constitution?

Take the 4-minute test and meals will adjust automatically. Start

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.