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PANguin

Summer · from 21 May

Grain Buds

小滿

Clear heat, drain dampness.

Next: Grain in Ear on 5 Jun — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Stir-fried chayote and chicken on rice
Grain Buds · Lunch · Qi Stagnation

Stir-fried chayote and chicken on rice

Crisp, sweet and inexpensive chayote cut into strips and stir-fried with chicken and carrot — clean-tasting and good with rice.

  • 25 min
  • Serves 2
  • Stir-fry
  • Easy
NeutralSoothes liver, regulates qiHarmonises spleen and stomach

Why it suits you: Qi-stagnation types are prone to low moods, a tight chest and frequent sighing, and the muggy heat of Grain Buds makes irritability worse. Chayote regulates qi and soothes the liver, chicken boosts qi and carrot strengthens the spleen; light and crisp, it leaves you comfortable rather than bloated.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 10 min
  1. 1Mix the chicken with the soy sauce and cornflour and leave for 10 minutes.
  2. 2Peel and halve the chayotes, remove the seed and cut into strips; cut the carrot into strips.
  3. 3Stir-fry the chicken in hot oil until it turns white and set aside.
  4. 4Add more oil, fry the ginger and garlic, then the chayote and carrot for 3 minutes. Return the chicken, season with salt, toss and serve with rice.

Chef's tips

  • Chayote releases a sticky sap when peeled, so wear gloves or peel it under water.

The TCM view

Chayote is sweet and cool, regulating qi, harmonising the middle and soothing the liver. Chicken is sweet and warm, warming the middle and boosting qi; carrot is sweet and neutral, strengthening the spleen and aiding digestion; ginger settles the stomach. Together they soothe the liver, regulate qi and harmonise the spleen and stomach.

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Seasonal principle

Heat and humidity begin to rise together. Focus on clearing heat and supporting digestion with cooling, hydrating foods. Wear breathable clothing to prevent skin irritations caused by trapped moisture. Avoid overeating rich, greasy foods that can burden the Spleen and exacerbate internal dampness.

In season now

In season around Grain Buds: Cucumber, Winter Melon, Duck, Barley, Loquat

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.