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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

Dace fish ball and pea shoot rice noodle soup with tangerine peel
Clear and Bright · Breakfast · Qi Stagnation

Dace fish ball and pea shoot rice noodle soup with tangerine peel

Springy dace fish balls flavoured with tangerine peel, in a clear soup with rice noodles and pea shoots: fragrant and appetising.

  • 25 min
  • Serves 2
  • Quick soup
  • Medium
NeutralSoothes the liverOpens the appetite

Why it suits you: Qi-stagnant types often feel low and lose their appetite in the endless Clear and Bright drizzle. Tangerine peel moves qi and wakes up the appetite, dace strengthens the spleen and pea shoots add freshness, in a steaming bowl that lifts the mood.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Mix the dace with the tangerine peel, coriander, a little salt and pepper, stirring in one direction until sticky, then slap it against the bowl a few times.
  2. 2Bring the water to the boil and drop in teaspoonfuls of the mixture. Poach gently for 4 minutes until they float.
  3. 3Add the noodles and pea shoots for 2 minutes and season.

Chef's tips

  • Wet-market fishmongers sell ready-minced dace; just season and stir at home.

The TCM view

Tangerine peel is pungent, bitter and warm, moving qi and strengthening the spleen. Dace is sweet and neutral and supports qi; pea shoots are sweet and neutral and settle the stomach; coriander is pungent and warm and moves qi. Together they ease stagnation and open the appetite.

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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 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?

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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.