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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

Rose-glazed pork ribs
Minor Cold · Dinner · Qi Stagnation

Rose-glazed pork ribs

Pork ribs roasted with rose jam and honey until glossy — fragrant, sweet and cheering.

  • 55 min
  • Serves 2
  • Roast
  • Medium
WarmingSoothes the liverHarmonises the middle

Why it suits you: Little winter sunlight leaves qi-stagnation types low. Rose soothes the liver, and the sweet, floral flavour lightens the evening.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 40 min
  1. 1Chop the ribs and marinate with soy, garlic and rose jam for 1 hour.
  2. 2Roast at 200°C for 25 minutes.
  3. 3Brush with honey and roast for 10 minutes more until glossy.
  4. 4Scatter with rose petals and serve with blanched choi sum.

Cautions

  • Rose jam and honey are sweet — reduce if watching blood sugar.

Chef's tips

  • Add the honey last so it doesn't burn.

The TCM view

Pork is sweet, salty and neutral; rose is sweet, slightly bitter and warm, soothing the liver and moving blood; honey harmonises.

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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

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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.