The Minor Cold solar term has arrived, signaling a further drop in temperatures. To maintain health during this period, early preventive measures are essential. Dietary adjustments play a crucial role in physical conditioning—particularly consuming meat for nourishment. So, what meats are best during Minor Cold? This article recommends three types worth incorporating into your diet.
What Meat to Eat During Minor Cold
1. Shrimp
Rich in nutrients, shrimp nourishes the kidneys, detoxifies, and boosts vitality. It's ideal for those with kidney deficiency or aching waist and knees. Winter is the season for kidney nourishment—incorporate shrimp into your diet for kidney health.
Preparation: Prepare fresh shrimp, several scallions, and 3 teaspoons of curry powder. Clean the shrimp and remove the intestinal tracts. Trim the roots from the scallions, wash them, and chop into scallion greens. Set aside. Place the curry powder in a bowl, add light soy sauce and cooking wine, and mix well to form a curry sauce. Set aside.Next, dry-heat a wok, add oil and heat until hot. Sauté a small amount of chopped scallions until fragrant, then add the shrimp and stir-fry together. Once the shrimp begin to change color, pour in the curry sauce and continue stir-frying. Add about half a bowl of water and simmer together. When the sauce thickens and reduces, it's ready to serve.
2. Duck Meat
Winter's dry air makes the body prone to internal heat. Duck meat is ideal during this season as it nourishes deficiencies and replenishes yin, making it perfect for those experiencing heat-related symptoms.
Preparation: Prepare 1 mature duck (have the vendor slaughter and clean it), 1-2 pieces of Chinese yam, appropriate amounts of goji berries, scallion segments, ginger slices, and minced garlic.Rinse the duck meat, place it in a pot with cold water, and bring to a boil. Blanch for 1-2 minutes, then remove, rinse thoroughly, and transfer to a clay pot. Add scallions, ginger, and garlic, and simmer until cooked.Peel and wash the Chinese yam, cut into chunks using the rolling knife technique, then soak in water with white vinegar. Once the duck broth boils and foam appears on the surface, skim it off. Add the yam chunks and pour in a generous amount of Shaoxing wine. Simmer for half an hour. Finally, add goji berries. After bringing it to a boil once or twice, season with a pinch of salt before serving.
3. Fish Meat
Fish meat warms and nourishes yang energy while strengthening tendons and bones. Winter weakens yang energy, making the body susceptible to illness—making fish an ideal choice for replenishing vitality. Among various fish, sea bass offers the highest nutritional value.
Preparation: Prepare 1 sea bass (have the vendor clean and cut it into pieces), along with appropriate amounts of seaweed mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and cilantro. Rinse the fish pieces and set aside. Wash the ginger, garlic, and cilantro separately; slice the ginger and garlic, and chop the cilantro into sections.Next, clean and dry a wok, then add oil. Once the oil is hot, stir-fry the ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add the fish pieces and stir-fry until both sides change color. Pour in cooking wine and white sugar, then stir-fry briefly. Add a bowl of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer slowly. Add the washed seafood mushrooms and continue simmering. Finally, once all ingredients are cooked through, season with salt and remove from heat. Plate and garnish with cilantro.
Dietary Considerations for the Minor Cold Solar Term
1. Eat Regularly
During winter, the stomach is prone to discomfort. Irregular eating habits can further damage it. Therefore, meals should be taken at consistent times, and breakfast must never be skipped.
2.Avoid Spicy and Raw/Cold Foods
Winter brings cold weather, and the Minor Cold period marks even colder conditions. Consuming raw or cold foods can directly irritate the stomach, causing abnormal contractions and leading to loss of appetite, vomiting, and weakened immunity. Similarly, spicy foods are highly irritating and should be minimized or avoided entirely during winter.