Winter Recipes
In the Chinese scheme of things winter is a time of stillness and contemplation, its stillness contrasting with the activity of the spring period that will follow. Whereas our natural instinct might be to eat rich and heating foods to warm us up, Chinese dietary therapy teaches the importance of staying in tune with the season.:
Foods to nourish the body in winter include:
- Naturally salty foods such a pickles, seaweed, crab
- Cooling or neutral foods such as tofu, mung beans, sesame oil, spinach and aubergines (eggplant)
- ‘Water’ foods including mushrooms, fungus and fish
But the body should be kept in balance and energised by:
- A few warming spices;: ginger, garlic, onions and chilies
- Some tonic foods like prawns and walnuts
According to the Chinese theory of the Five Elements, winter is the time when water is in ascendancy. The prevailing climate is cold, the dominant organ or energy centre in the human body is the kidney. If you have lower back pain or cold extremities then it is probably time to review your diet. Choose your drinks carefully too. Ice cold drinks are damaging to the body. Prefer green tea, which is naturally cooling and packed full of health giving properties.