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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

Stir-fried jicama and pork with rice
Start of Spring · Lunch · Balanced

Stir-fried jicama and pork with rice

Crisp, sweet jicama, in season at the Start of Spring, quickly stir-fried with pork: light on oil and great with rice.

  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • Stir-fry
  • Easy
NeutralMoistens drynessStrengthens the spleen

Why it suits you: Balanced types simply follow the Start of Spring principle of nourishing the liver and lifting yang. Jicama is in season, crisp, sweet and moistening, and this quick, low-oil stir-fry makes a light lunch after rich New Year meals.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Toss the pork with half the soy sauce and the cornflour and leave for 10 minutes.
  2. 2Fry the garlic in hot oil until fragrant, stir-fry the pork until it changes colour and lift out.
  3. 3Stir-fry the jicama and carrot for 3 minutes with a splash of water, return the pork with the rest of the soy sauce, toss and serve with rice.

Chef's tips

  • Peel the jicama thoroughly; it is best stir-fried until just translucent but still crisp.

The TCM view

Jicama is sweet and cool, clearing heat and generating fluids. Pork is sweet, salty and neutral and moistens dryness; carrot is sweet and neutral and strengthens the spleen; warm garlic balances the jicama's coolness. Mostly sweet, it suits spring's 'less sour, more sweet'.

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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.

Balanced

Yin–yang, qi and blood in good balance

Enjoy: Whole grains · Seasonal vegetables and fruit · Fish, eggs and tofu

Go easy: Overeating · Very greasy or spicy food · Lots of iced drinks

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.