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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

Thai lime pork neck with rice
Minor Cold · Lunch · Qi Stagnation

Thai lime pork neck with rice

Seared pork neck with lime and fresh mint — tangy, fragrant and mood-lifting.

  • 35 min
  • Serves 2
  • Pan-fry
  • Medium
NeutralSoothes the liverLifts the appetite

Why it suits you: Short winter days leave qi-stagnation types low. Tangy lime and cool mint soothe the liver and make the plate appetising.

Method

Prep 20 min · Cook 15 min
  1. 1Marinate the pork with fish sauce, garlic and sugar for 20 minutes.
  2. 2Sear in a dry pan on medium heat until charred on both sides, about 12 minutes.
  3. 3Mix the lime juice with a little fish sauce and sugar.
  4. 4Slice the pork over rice with cucumber and mint, then spoon over the lime dressing.

Chef's tips

  • Slice the pork thinly across the grain.

The TCM view

Pork is sweet, salty and neutral; lime is sour and cool, moving qi; mint is pungent and cool, soothing the liver.

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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.