Feb 19th marks the second solar term of the year - Yu Shui - rain water. Yang qi starts to rise in nature. We start to see snow & frost melt, birds return home, and new growth springs from the earth. With this time comes an increase in dampness, especially in the Pacific North West, so it’s beneficial to support your kidneys, spleen and digestion to prevent dampness in the body. Keep your feet, low back and neck warm, continue to rest or do gentle exercise, and consume warm, cooked and gently spiced foods.

A note on TCM eating philosophy: there is an emphasis on eating foods that counter the energetics of the season, foods that support our individual constitution and generally incorporating warm cooked foods to lessen the digestive force needed to break down and assimilate nutrients. The latter especially during the colder months and the in between seasons change when our spleen/digestion is most in need of support.

Congees are especially recommended this time of year. An easy and cost effective way to follow TCM eating principles. The recipe below swaps quinoa for rice. Quinoa supports the kidneys, containing a higher mineral & protein content than other cereals and is often tolerated by those who are sensitive to grains. Cooked in chai tea, the carminative spices warm + support the spleen + digestion, while black tea helps to regulate qi, and resolve dampness and phlegm.

Apple Chai Quinoa Congee

Recipe:

6 apples, chopped

1 cup quinoa

3 cups water

3 cups chai tea - steeped from a bag or pre-made concentrate

2 tsp Cinnamon

6 Chinese dates

Goji berries

Optional toppings: walnuts, nut butter, honey or maple syrup

In a slow cooker combine all ingredients. Set to low heat and let cook overnight. Wake up to warm breakfast.

Other Congee Recipes: