Beef is neutral in nature and enters the spleen and stomach meridians. Rich in protein and amino acids, it aligns with spring dietary principles of nourishing the liver and spleen. Reduce sour flavors and increase sweet foods to nourish these organs. Beef excels at fortifying the spleen and stomach while boosting qi, earning the saying "Beef replenishes qi as effectively as astragalus." It is an excellent choice for spleen and stomach tonification.Consuming beef appropriately during the Jīngzhé season offers significant health benefits. Pairing it with potatoes enhances its spleen-and-stomach-tonifying effects.
How to Prepare Beef for Spleen and Stomach Tonification
1. Prepare beef, potatoes, onion, carrot, ginger, dark soy sauce, and salt. Wash and peel the potatoes and carrot, then cut into chunks. Dice the onion and set aside.
2. Cut beef into large chunks. Blanch in a pot for 3-5 minutes, then remove and rinse. Heat oil in the pot. Once hot, add beef and stir-fry evenly. Add dark soy sauce and continue stir-frying.
3. Add the onion, then the scallions and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant. Pour 1.5 liters of hot water into a pressure cooker. Transfer the ingredients to the cooker, reduce heat to medium-low, and pressure cook for 20 minutes. Then add the potatoes, carrots, and salt.
4. Stir the ingredients thoroughly, pressure cook for another 10 minutes, then serve.
What foods are good to eat during the Start of Spring?
Pears are recommended.
In some regions, there's a custom of "eating pears during the Start of Spring," symbolizing parting with pests.Additionally, after the Start of Spring solar term, as temperatures rise and people wear lighter clothing, they become more susceptible to wind exposure, often leading to dry mouth, throat, and external-contracted coughs. Pears, being cold in nature and sweet in taste, have the effects of moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, clearing heat, and promoting fluid production. Eating pears in moderation during this season can provide excellent nourishment for the body.
Dietary Considerations for the Jingzhe Solar Term
As weather noticeably warms during Jingzhe, opt for light, mild, and balanced meals. Consume protein- and vitamin-rich foods like spring bamboo shoots, spinach, eggs, and milk, while minimizing spicy and greasy items.
During Jingzhe, favor sweet over sour flavors. Acidic foods possess astringent properties, whereas spring's rising yang energy calls for pungent and sweet dispersing foods. Thus, consuming more sweet and less sour can help nourish the spleen and stomach.