Skip to content
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

Pumpkin, carrot and brown rice porridge
Start of Spring · Breakfast · Sensitive (Allergic)

Pumpkin, carrot and brown rice porridge

Set on a timer the night before; the pumpkin melts into the brown rice so the porridge is naturally sweet, with no sugar needed.

  • 45 min
  • Serves 2
  • Slow-cook
  • Easy
NeutralStrengthens spleen and qiNourishes liver and eyes

Why it suits you: The Sensitive (allergic) type is prone to sniffles and itchy skin, often worse in the changeable, windy days of the Start of Spring. Pumpkin and carrot strengthen the spleen and qi, contain none of the common allergens, and their sweetness steadies the body.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 40 min
  1. 1The night before, wash the brown rice and leave it to soak.
  2. 2Put the rice, pumpkin, carrot, red dates and water in a rice cooker on the congee setting with a timer for the morning.
  3. 3Stir before serving; the pumpkin melts and sweetens the porridge.

The TCM view

Pumpkin is sweet and warm and replenishes qi. Carrot is sweet and neutral, strengthening the spleen and nourishing the liver and eyes; brown rice is sweet and neutral and settles the stomach; red dates nourish blood. All sweet, they follow spring's 'less sour, more sweet'.

AI Recipe Studio

Want a dish made just for you?

Tell PANguin what’s in your fridge, how long you have and any health needs — it designs a recipe and saves it for you.

  • For Sensitive (Allergic)
  • Right for Start of Spring
  • Uses what you have
  • Nutrition + shopping list
Create my recipeAbout 20 seconds · free

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.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

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.