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PANguin

Autumn · from 23 Sept

Autumn Equinox

秋分

Balance Yin and Yang, moisten dryness.

Next: Cold Dew on 8 Oct — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Chinese yam & red date millet congee with steamed pumpkin
Autumn Equinox · Breakfast · Qi Deficiency

Chinese yam & red date millet congee with steamed pumpkin

Silky millet congee with fresh yam and red dates, plus a plate of steamed pumpkin — warming and filling.

  • 50 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralStrengthens digestion & qiSettles the stomach

Why it suits you: Qi Deficiency means tiring easily and a weak appetite. Millet, yam and pumpkin are gentle, easy-to-digest qi tonics, and as Autumn Equinox mornings cool, a warm bowl protects digestion for the workday.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 40 min
  1. 1Rinse the millet. Wearing gloves, peel the yam and dice it.
  2. 2Put the millet, yam, red dates and water in the rice cooker on the porridge setting — set the timer the night before and it is ready when you wake up.
  3. 3Cut the pumpkin into wedges, skin on, and steam over high heat for 12 minutes, or microwave on high for 4–5 minutes until tender.
  4. 4Stir in the goji berries, cover for 2 minutes, then serve warm with the pumpkin.

Cautions

  • Leave out the goji berries during a cold, fever or diarrhoea.

Chef's tips

  • Fresh yam sap can make your hands itch — wear gloves, or rinse the root before peeling.

The TCM view

Chinese yam is sweet and neutral and supports the spleen, lungs and kidneys; red dates and pumpkin are sweet and warm and build qi; millet is sweet and cool and settles the stomach, balancing the warmer dates and pumpkin. A little goji nourishes the liver and kidneys.

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Seasonal principle

Balance is key again. Dryness is at its peak. Moisten the Lungs and harmonize the Spleen and Stomach. Maintain emotional stability, as the fading light can trigger melancholy. Drink warm honey water in the morning to soothe the digestive tract and respiratory system.

In season now

In season around Autumn Equinox: Persimmon, Pear, Sesame, Honey, Chrysanthemum

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.