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PANguin

Spring · from 5 Apr

Clear and Bright

清明

Clear heat, nourish Liver and Kidney.

Next: Grain Rain on 20 Apr — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Pumpkin oat porridge with black sesame
Clear and Bright · Breakfast · Qi Deficiency

Pumpkin oat porridge with black sesame

Microwaved pumpkin mashed into creamy oats and swirled with black sesame paste: sweet, smooth and filling.

  • 13 min
  • Serves 2
  • Boil
  • Easy
WarmingSupports qiNourishes liver and kidneys

Why it suits you: Qi-deficient types feel tired and lose their appetite in damp Clear and Bright weather. Pumpkin and oats support qi and are easy to digest, and black sesame nourishes the liver and kidneys in line with the season, so a warm bowl carries you to lunch.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 8 min
  1. 1Put the pumpkin in a bowl with a splash of water, cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes until soft, then mash.
  2. 2Bring the water and milk to the boil, add the oats and pumpkin and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring now and then.
  3. 3Off the heat, stir in the sugar. Spoon into bowls, swirl in the sesame paste and sprinkle with the seeds.

Cautions

  • Sesame is a common allergen; leave it out if you react to it.

Chef's tips

  • Steam the pumpkin the night before and keep it in the fridge to save time in the morning.

The TCM view

Pumpkin is sweet and warm and supports qi. Oats are sweet and neutral and strengthen the spleen; black sesame is sweet and neutral, nourishing the liver, kidneys and blood and easing the bowels; milk tonifies. Together they gently build qi while nourishing the liver and kidneys.

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Seasonal principle

A time for reflection and clearing internal heat. Focus on foods that support the Liver and Kidneys while keeping the body light. Spend time outdoors to absorb the fresh spring air, but protect yourself from sudden temperature drops. Incorporate gentle stretching to release physical and emotional tension.

In season now

In season around Clear and Bright: Mugwort, Mulberry, Black Sesame, Walnuts, Seaweed

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Qi Deficiency

Low energy, tires easily and catches colds

Enjoy: Chinese yam · Millet and pumpkin · Red dates · Chicken and beef · Shiitake and soybeans

Go easy: Raw, cold food and iced drinks · Crash dieting · Greasy, heavy meals

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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.