According to the Chinese lunisolar calendar, winter began on 7 November 2022 and will end on 15 January 2023. A central foundation of traditional Chinese medicine, the theory of Yin Yang holds that winter is the most Yin season of the year. During this season, Yang energy, associated with activity, light and daytime, withdraws into the depths of the body and gives way to Yin, which for its part is associated with passivity, rest, darkness and night.
With all these changes that nature imposes on us, it is vital to adapt to the new season… And that includes what we put on our plates!
Discover 5 foods to feature this winter, along with delicious and, above all, easy recipe ideas for enjoying them!
The basics of Chinese dietetics in winter
Adapting your diet is a basic rule of Chinese dietetics. For each season, Chinese dietetics recommends a specific cooking method, flavour and nature to adjust to the new energy.
In winter, it advises cooking foods for a long time over a low heat and favouring steaming and boiling.
Salty-flavoured foods are particularly recommended as they have an affinity with the Kidneys, the organs of winter, as are those with a sweet and sour flavour, as they help draw energy inwards. Finally, warm, neutral and hot natures are the most advisable in this season.
5 foods to put on your plate in winter
Prawns
Energetic profile
Among the foods that Chinese dietetics particularly recommends in winter, we find prawns. Energetically suited to the season, prawns are classed as a food with a salty flavour and a warm nature. They are also known to tonify the Kidney, the organ of the season, to gently strengthen Yang and to nourish Blood.
In Chinese diet therapy, prawns are most often indicated in cases of physical fatigue and low morale, as they help boost energy.
Steamed prawn recipe
Bring a little water to the boil in the steamer and add a little salt. Meanwhile, peel the prawns and put them in a salad bowl with a little ginger, chilli and olive oil, and chop a little leek into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then put the mixture in the top part of the steamer and leave to cook for about 15 minutes.
Lychee
Energetic profile
A fruit native to China, the lychee is classed in Chinese dietetics among foods with a warm nature and a sweet flavour. It is therefore perfect for winter. In Chinese energetics, this fruit helps nourish Blood, regulate the circulation of energy and calm the Shen (the Mind).
Eating it is indicated in cases of night sweats, nausea, diarrhoea or a feeling of general weakness.
Lychee and prawn appetiser recipe
Peel the lychees, then make skewers by threading a prawn, a mint leaf and a lychee onto each one. Place the mini skewers on a dish, drizzle a little lemon juice and olive oil over them, and serve!
Tomato
Energetic profile
Sour and sweet in flavour, the tomato is a food recommended in winter, as its flavour helps the body draw energy inwards. Known to tonify the Stomach, quench thirst and ease digestion and transit, it is indicated in cases of red eyes, headaches, constipation, bad breath or fatigue. However, it is not recommended in cases of digestive disorders.
Recipe for tomatoes stuffed with prawns and avocado
Hollow out the tomatoes with a spoon and salt the inside. In a salad bowl, put a little lettuce, some peeled cooked prawns, half an onion, peeled and finely sliced, and some avocado cut into pieces.
Season the mixture with a teaspoon of lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing into the tomatoes and serve!
Leek
Energetic profile
Perfect for winter, the leek is a vegetable with a warm nature. It helps tonify the Kidneys, associated with winter, and fortify Yang. It is also known to move Qi and dispel Blood stagnation. Much appreciated especially in winter, it is recommended as a way to prevent chills. It is also indicated in cases of excess alcohol or pain due to gout.
Leek and potato soup recipe
In a saucepan, put a tablespoon of oil over a medium heat. Let it heat up, then add half an onion and two leeks, peeled and finely sliced, and a crushed garlic clove, and leave to cook for 5 minutes.
Next, add two potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to the boil and leave to simmer for about 20 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche. Put the mixture in a blender until puréed, and enjoy!
Button mushroom
Energetic profile
Very popular, the button mushroom has a sweet flavour and helps tonify energy, calm the Mind and stimulate the appetite. It is mainly indicated in cases of diarrhoea or hepatitis.
Pan-fried mushroom and onion recipe
Peel, then finely slice the onions and mushrooms. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a frying pan. Let it get nice and hot, then add the sliced onions and, when they are lightly golden, add the mushrooms, a little cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Leave everything to simmer for about 5 minutes and serve hot.
Make the most of this new season to put the recommendations of Chinese dietetics into practice and choose foods energetically suited to the winter season!