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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

Sweet corn, Chinese yam & carrot drink
Clear and Bright · Tea break · Sensitive (Allergic)

Sweet corn, Chinese yam & carrot drink

Sweet corn, fresh yam and carrot simmered into a naturally sweet, sugar-free drink — gentle and good for digestion.

  • 1 hr 10 min
  • Serves 3
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralStrengthens digestion & qiFirms up defences

Why it suits you: The Sensitive constitution is prone to hay fever and skin flare-ups, and Qingming brings pollen plus 'returning south' mould and dust mites. This drink uses only gentle, low-allergen everyday ingredients to strengthen digestion and qi, with a little astragalus to firm up the body's defences.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 55 min
  1. 1Cut the corn into chunks, keeping a little of the silk to simmer with it; peel the carrot and cut into chunks.
  2. 2Wearing gloves, peel the yam, cut it into thick pieces and keep in water so it doesn't discolour. Rinse the astragalus and red dates.
  3. 3When the water boils, add the corn, carrot, astragalus and red dates, boil hard for 10 minutes, then simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
  4. 4Add the yam and simmer for 15 minutes more until tender. No salt or sugar needed — it's naturally sweet.
  5. 5Pour into a flask to sip at the office; fish out the corn and yam to eat as a snack.

Cautions

  • Leave out the astragalus during a cold or fever.

Chef's tips

  • Fresh yam sap can make your hands itch, so wear gloves when handling it.

The TCM view

Sweet corn is sweet and neutral, settling digestion and draining water; Chinese yam is sweet and neutral, supporting the spleen, lungs and kidneys; carrot is sweet and neutral, aiding digestion and nourishing the liver and eyes; astragalus is sweet and slightly warm, building qi and firming the defences; red dates warm the middle. Balanced and tonifying without heat.

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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.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

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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.