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PANguin

Winter · from 5 Jan

Minor Cold

小寒

Warm Spleen and Kidneys, dispel cold.

Next: Major Cold on 20 Jan — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Perilla and fish congee
Minor Cold · Breakfast · Qi Stagnation

Perilla and fish congee

Grass carp congee finished with fresh perilla — fragrant, and a calmer start to a rushed morning.

  • 47 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralMoves qiLifts the mood

Why it suits you: The start of the year leaves qi-stagnant types tense and off their food. Perilla moves qi and settles the stomach, and the fish congee is easy to digest, so breakfast feels lighter.

Method

Prep 12 min · Cook 35 min
  1. 1Boil the rice with the water and ginger, then simmer for 25 minutes.
  2. 2Slice the fish and marinate it with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes.
  3. 3Rinse the perilla and chop it roughly.
  4. 4Cook the fish in the congee until done, turn off the heat, stir in the perilla and season.

Cautions

  • Add the perilla at the end so the fragrance stays.

Chef's tips

  • Fresh perilla leaves taste much brighter than dried.

The TCM view

Perilla is pungent and warm, moving qi and harmonising the stomach; grass carp is sweet and neutral, strengthening the spleen and waking the appetite; rice supports the spleen. It suits qi-stagnant types at Minor Cold.

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Seasonal principle

One of the coldest periods. Focus on warming the Kidneys and strengthening the Spleen to maintain energy. Consume hearty, mixed-grain porridges (like Laba congee) to provide sustained warmth and nutrition. Avoid cold drinks and raw foods entirely during this deep freeze.

In season now

In season around Minor Cold: Glutinous Rice, Red Bean, Peanut, Chestnut, Pork Ribs

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.