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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

Rose soy sauce chicken legs with rice
Start of Spring · Lunch · Qi Stagnation

Rose soy sauce chicken legs with rice

Hong Kong soy sauce chicken scented with dried rosebuds: fragrant and uplifting, with a sauce made for rice.

  • 35 min
  • Serves 2
  • Poach
  • Easy
NeutralSoothes liver qiReplenishes qi

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. Rosebuds soothe the liver and lift the spirits, and soy sauce chicken is a comforting Hong Kong home flavour.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 30 min
  1. 1Soak the rosebuds in hot water for 5 minutes.
  2. 2Bring the water, both soy sauces, rock sugar, ginger and spring onions to the boil, add the chicken and poach gently for 15 minutes, turning halfway.
  3. 3Add the rosebuds and their water, turn off the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes. Chop the chicken and serve over rice with a little sauce.

Cautions

  • Pregnant women should not take much rosebud.

Chef's tips

  • Keep the soy sauce liquid to poach chicken wings or eggs next time.

The TCM view

Rosebuds are sweet, slightly bitter and warm, soothing liver qi and harmonising blood. Chicken is sweet and warm and replenishes qi; ginger and spring onion free yang. Fragrance that moves qi with warm nourishment eases the liver without draining energy.

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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.