According to TCM, each food has its own nature, either yin (“cold”) or yang (“hot”), dry or moist. People’s constitution also reflects energy balance and the right yin-yang balance in the diet balances yin-yang in the body.
People with excessive inner heat are encouraged to nourish cool yin energy by eating more “cold” foods and herbs, such as lotus seed and summer grass.
Those deficient in yang energy (inner heat) are encouraged to build up their yang by eating warms foods, such as lamb, venison, jujube, and ginger.
Supplying qi, the basic energy circulating around the body, is also important in this season for virtually everyone. Chestnut, black sesame, and ginseng are among the foods and herbs said to boost qi.
~A Delightful Dessert: Sesame Rice Ball Soup-A Winter Tradition~
Serving Suggestion: for 4-5 serving.
- (6-10) Sesame or Red Bean Rice Ball, dried Gogi Berries, dried Longan Pulp, crystal sugar candy (optional), 1000mL water.
–> Place water in a medium pot and bring to boil, add everything (sesame rice ball, dried gogi berries, longan pulp, and crystal sugar candy) into the pot and stirring often. Cook until the rice balls flow on the surface, turn to low heat and serve after 5 minutes. *Enjoy it*
Health Tips: berries like the goji berry are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds. Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A. The Longan pulp is a rich source of many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. This fruit contains vitamins B1, B2 and B3 as well as Vitamin C. It has a high content of minerals such as copper, iron, potassium and magnesium. It is a good source of dietary fiber and protein as well.
