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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

Steamed sea bass on fresh Chinese yam with goji
Clear and Bright · Dinner · Qi Deficiency

Steamed sea bass on fresh Chinese yam with goji

Slices of fresh Chinese yam line the plate under a whole sea bass, soaking up the juices as it steams — silky fish, soft yam.

  • 27 min
  • Serves 3
  • Steam
  • Easy
NeutralStrengthens spleen qiNourishes liver and kidneysEasy to digest

Why it suits you: Qi-deficient people tire easily and have weak appetites, and Qingming's damp makes it worse. Sea bass strengthens digestion and is easy to digest, yam supports the spleen, lungs and kidneys, and goji nourishes the liver. Steaming keeps it light, so it tonifies without heating.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 12 min
  1. 1Clean and dry the fish, make two cuts on each side and rub with a little salt. Soak the goji berries in water for 5 minutes.
  2. 2Wearing gloves, peel and slice the yam and lay it over the plate. Put the fish on top and tuck some ginger into the cavity.
  3. 3Steam over boiling water on high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, scattering over the goji berries for the last 2 minutes.
  4. 4Pour off the excess liquid, top with the ginger and spring onion shreds, pour over the hot oil and then the soy sauce.

Chef's tips

  • Yam sap can make skin itch, so wear gloves or rinse your hands in vinegared water.

The TCM view

Sea bass is sweet and neutral, strengthening the spleen, boosting qi and supporting the liver and kidneys. Chinese yam is sweet and neutral, tonifying the spleen, stomach, lungs and kidneys. Goji is sweet and neutral, nourishing the liver and kidneys and brightening the eyes. All are gentle tonics, with ginger to settle the stomach.

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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.